Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins

David Bull sits in for Ian Collins: Reform UK has unveiled plans for £50 billion a year in welfare cuts, including proposals to stop foreign nationals claiming Universal Credit. Robert Jenrick is also set to set out the party’s plans to overhaul the benefits system. Are Reform proposing necessary welfare reform, or are their cuts too harsh?Lord Daniel Hannan, Independent Peer and Director of the Institute of Economic Affairs, examines Reform’s welfare proposals, the scale of Britain’s benefits bill and whether reducing welfare spending can be done while protecting people who genuinely need support. We also discuss claims that a significant proportion of disability benefit claimants would accept support to return to work in exchange for financial assistance.Vanessa Frake, Justice Adviser to Reform UK and former prison governor, looks at the state of Britain’s prisons. With the new HMP Millsike super-prison reportedly operating with hundreds of empty cells, while concerns grow over sentencing changes allowing some serious offenders to avoid prison, is the Government failing to use the prison capacity it has?We also examine cases involving paedophiles avoiding prison under Labour’s sentencing changes, including the case of a convicted paedophile who allegedly changed his name 20 times to conceal his criminal history. Are sentencing and offender identification systems failing to protect the public?Finally, Sarah Pochin MP, Reform UK MP for Runcorn and Helsby, gives her reaction to Reform’s £50 billion welfare plans and explains why the party believes Britain’s benefits system needs such a radical overhaul.Reform UK, welfare cuts, £50 billion, Universal Credit, benefits, foreign nationals, disability benefits, Daniel Hannan, prisons, HMP Millsike, sentencing, paedophiles, Sarah Pochin and Vanessa Frake. Are Reform’s welfare reforms cruel or kind? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Andy Burnham creating a two-tier Britain? Just days into his premiership, the Prime Minister is facing criticism over a growing North-South divide, a string of expensive spending promises, and mounting questions about how his government will pay the bill.Journalist and author Michael Crick discusses claims that Burnham’s agenda risks deepening regional divisions, why his government is already under pressure over a raft of uncosted pledges, and reports that ministers have now been ordered to find savings despite announcing major new spending commitments.Robert Bates, Research Director at the Centre for Migration, examines the continuing row over asylum accommodation after a village voted on plans to leave the UK over migrant housing proposals, the legal challenge surrounding the use of an army base to house asylum seekers, and his own campaign to force the Government to publish data on serious crimes committed by migrants.Finally, former police officer and Fair Cop founder Harry Miller reacts to the planned early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers and the backlash after Wes Streeting and Shabana Mahmood apologised for joking about early prisoner releases. Has prison reform gone too far, and is public confidence in the justice system being undermined?Andy Burnham, North-South divide, Labour spending, asylum seekers, immigration, migrant crime, PC Andrew Harper, early prisoner release, criminal justice and British politics. Is Britain becoming more divided under the new government? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Rowley sits in for Ian Collins.Andy Burnham’s cabinet: Built to win or to fail? On his first full day as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham has unveiled a dramatically reshaped Cabinet, appointing John Healey as Chancellor, Wes Streeting as Defence Secretary, bringing Angela Rayner back into government after her resignation over a tax scandal, and handing senior roles to key allies as he promises the biggest political changes in decades.Sam Lister, Associate Editor at the Express, assesses Burnham’s new top team, the political winners and losers, and whether the Prime Minister has assembled a Cabinet capable of delivering his ambitious agenda or one that risks deepening divisions within Labour.Economist Professor Jonathan Portes examines the economic challenges facing the new Chancellor, with UK public debt nearing £3 trillion and difficult decisions looming over borrowing, spending and the possibility of future tax rises.Former Conservative Defence Minister Sir Gerald Howarth gives his verdict on Wes Streeting’s appointment as Defence Secretary, asking whether he has the experience to oversee Britain’s armed forces at a time of growing international instability.Finally, James Heale, Deputy Political Editor at The Spectator, analyses Burnham’s sweeping Cabinet reshuffle, the return of Angela Rayner, the appointment of John Healey as Chancellor and whether this is a government built for long-term success or political turmoil.Andy Burnham, Cabinet reshuffle, John Healey, Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner, Chancellor, public debt, tax rises, Labour government and British politics. Has Burnham built a Cabinet to win or one destined to fail? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Andy Burnham unite Britain? The Prime Minister has unveiled his 10-year plan for the UK, promising to tackle the cost of living, rebuild public services and reshape the economy. But with critics warning of a new era of big government and polling suggesting many southern voters question his legitimacy, can Burnham win over the whole country?Alex Deane, political commentator, breaks down Burnham’s first major policy agenda, the promise to ease the cost of living, concerns over expanding the state, and whether the Prime Minister has secured a genuine mandate for change.Peter Cardwell, Talk presenter, and former Labour official Richard Power Sayeed debate whether Burnham’s programme represents a fresh direction for Britain or simply a return to traditional Labour politics.Finally, Lord Matthew Elliott, founder of the TaxPayers’ Alliance and former Vote Leave chief executive, gives his verdict on Burnham’s economic vision, the implications for taxpayers and business, and Boris Johnson’s latest intervention on Brexit, Partygate and the advice he says he would give the new Prime Minister.Andy Burnham, 10-year plan, cost of living, big state, Labour government, legitimacy, Brexit, Boris Johnson and Britain’s future. Can Burnham bring the country together behind his vision? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has Andy Burnham finally set out his vision for Britain? After delivering his first major speech as Labour’s incoming leader, Burnham says he will offer a “new path for the UK” and attempt to reset British politics after the collapse of the Starmer era.Anna Mikhailova, Political Editor at Times Radio, reacts to Burnham’s speech and the mood inside Labour as the party prepares for a new chapter. What were the key pledges, and can Burnham convince voters that this is more than just a rebrand?From CPAC, former Thatcher adviser Nile Gardiner gives the international perspective, discussing what Burnham’s rise means for Britain’s relationship with the United States, NATO and the wider Western alliance at a time of growing global instability.Clark Vasey, Director of Blue Collar Conservatism, assesses whether Burnham’s message can win over working-class voters who have drifted away from Labour, while political commentator Sebastian Salek examines the broader implications for the Conservatives and Reform UK.We also discuss reports that Sadiq Khan has been awarded a peerage alongside several other Labour figures in one of Keir Starmer’s final acts before leaving Downing Street. What does it say about the outgoing Prime Minister’s priorities, and how will it be received by voters?Andy Burnham speech, Labour leadership, Starmer legacy, Sadiq Khan peerage, CPAC, NATO, Reform UK and the future of Britain. Is Burnham offering a genuine new direction for the country? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Reform politicians in danger? The investigation into the killing of Ann Widdecombe has raised fresh concerns about the safety of elected representatives after police revealed the suspect may have targeted other Reform politicians as they investigate a suspected left-wing extremist motive.Political commentator Chloe Dobbs discusses the implications of the latest developments, including claims that Nigel Farage receives around 30 death threats every week, and asks whether Britain’s political climate has become increasingly dangerous for those in public life.Laila Cunningham, Reform UK’s London mayoral candidate for 2028, explains how the party is responding to heightened security concerns, whether Reform politicians are being disproportionately targeted, and what impact the threats are having on campaigning and public engagement.Finally, Lord Daniel Finkelstein, Times columnist and Conservative peer, assesses the wider implications for British democracy after Andy Burnham called for a review of MP safety. Should politicians receive greater protection, and how can democratic debate be safeguarded without isolating elected representatives from the public?Ann Widdecombe, Reform UK, Nigel Farage, political violence, death threats, extremism, MP security, Andy Burnham and British democracy. Are Reform politicians facing a growing security threat? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When did politics get so toxic? The investigation into the killing of Ann Widdecombe has taken another dramatic turn after counter-terrorism police confirmed they are treating it as politically motivated. The decision has intensified concerns about the safety of politicians and the increasingly hostile climate surrounding public life in Britain.Political commentator Charlie Rowley discusses whether political debate has become dangerously polarised, why attacks on public figures appear to be increasing, and what this means for democracy.Security expert Will Geddes examines the threat facing MPs and other high-profile figures, asking whether existing protection measures are still adequate in the wake of the latest developments.Isabel Oakeshott, Talk International Editor, reacts to reports that detectives now believe the attack was politically motivated, following claims the suspect possessed communist literature and after police faced criticism for initially saying there was no indication of a political motive. What do the latest revelations tell us about the investigation, and were the police too quick to rule out terrorism?Finally, Dr Paul Stott, Head of Security and Extremism at Policy Exchange, assesses what the case reveals about political extremism in Britain, how ideologically motivated violence is evolving, and whether the country is doing enough to identify and prevent radicalisation before it turns deadly.Ann Widdecombe, political violence, terrorism, counter-terrorism policing, extremism, public figures, political security and radicalisation. Has Britain’s political culture become dangerously toxic? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have we reached the point where being a public figure in Britain is simply too dangerous? Following the killing of Ann Widdecombe, the investigation has taken another dramatic turn after the suspect was re-arrested and the case was taken over by counter-terrorism policing. Detectives say there is currently no evidence of a political motive, but the attack has reignited serious questions about the safety of Britain’s public figures.Former No.10 adviser Oscar Reddrop discusses whether politicians, campaigners and other high-profile public figures now face an unprecedented level of risk. After the murders of Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, the stabbing of Stephen Timms, the attack on Salman Rushdie, repeated intimidation of MPs and now the killing of Ann Widdecombe, has Britain’s political climate become dangerously hostile?Former Scotland Yard Detective Inspector and counter-terrorism specialist Philip Grindell examines how threat levels against MPs and public figures have evolved, why the investigation is now being led by counter-terrorism police, and whether current security arrangements are still fit for purpose. Should politicians receive greater protection, or would that further distance them from the public they represent?Ann Widdecombe, counter-terrorism investigation, anti-terror police, public figures, MP security, political violence, Jo Cox, Sir David Amess, Stephen Timms and threat protection. Has Britain become too dangerous for those in public life? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Dolan sits in for Ian today as Ann Widdecombe dies aged 78. Britain is paying tribute to the former Conservative minister, broadcaster and one of the country’s best-known political figures after her sudden death. Police have launched an investigation after her death was initially treated as suspicious, as tributes pour in from across the political spectrum.Brendan O’Neill, Chief Political Writer at Spiked, reflects on Ann Widdecombe’s political legacy, from her years as Shadow Home Secretary to her outspoken views on crime, immigration and national identity. He also discusses the latest developments surrounding Nigel Farage, as questions continue over Reform UK donations, alongside violent disorder in central London after clashes involving Morocco football fans left a police officer in hospital.Former Ann Widdecombe aide Adam Newton shares personal memories of working alongside one of Britain’s most distinctive politicians, looking back at her years in frontline politics under William Hague, her media career and the impact she had on modern Conservatism.Finally, Gavin Mortimer, author and Spectator writer, examines the violence that erupted in London following Morocco’s football celebrations and asks whether Britain is facing a new challenge from organised football-related disorder linked to international fixtures.Ann Widdecombe dies, suspicious death investigation, former Conservative minister, Shadow Home Secretary, Nigel Farage, Reform donations, Morocco fans, London disorder, police officer injured and public order. Remembering one of Britain’s most recognisable political voices while examining the day’s biggest headlines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would you give Andy Burnham 10 years? The Prime Minister says he needs a decade to transform Britain, but critics warn his plans could mean higher taxes, bigger government and little immediate relief for struggling families.Linda Duberley reacts after Burnham unveiled his 10-year vision for Britain, amid claims that middle-class taxpayers could be hit with fresh tax rises to fund Labour’s long-term agenda. Can Burnham deliver the change he promises, or is he asking voters for too much time?Political scientist Dr Andy Mycock and politics professor Anthony Glees assess whether Burnham has the political capital to reshape Britain, and whether the public will back a Prime Minister asking to be judged over a decade rather than a single Parliament.Meanwhile, Lucy Moreton, Professional Officer for the Immigration Services Union, discusses sweeping new plans to overhaul the asylum system after Shabana Mahmood proposed using members of the public to help decide asylum appeals. We also examine fresh figures showing a record 20,000 foreign criminals have avoided deportation, reports that thousands of deported migrants have returned to Britain, and claims that Labour has quietly dropped restrictions on illegal migrants gaining British citizenship. Has Britain lost control of its immigration system?Andy Burnham, 10-year plan, tax rises, asylum appeals, foreign criminals, deportations, illegal migration, British citizenship and border security. Would you give Burnham 10 years to change Britain? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Andy Burnham turn our country around? Just days after Keir Starmer’s resignation, attention is turning from Labour’s leadership drama to a bigger question: is Burnham ready to govern?Giles Dilnot, Editor of ConservativeHome, reacts as Burnham and Starmer hold talks on an “orderly transition” amid reports that Burnham’s team is scrambling to prepare for power after being caught off guard by the speed of events. Is Labour ready for government, or already showing signs of chaos?Harry Cole, Editor-at-Large of The Sun, discusses growing concern in the City over reports that Burnham could hand one of the biggest jobs in government to Ed Miliband, raising questions about tax, spending, Net Zero and the future direction of the British economy. Would a Burnham government bring stability or spook investors?We also bring you the latest from the ARC Conference, where former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison warns that Western nations must regain control of immigration. What lessons can Britain learn from Australia on borders, migration and national identity?Andy Burnham, Labour transition, Ed Miliband, the economy, Net Zero, immigration, Scott Morrison and Britain’s future. Can Burnham deliver the change Britain has been promised? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should Andy Burnham face a leadership challenge? Just hours after Keir Starmer’s resignation, Labour is already facing a fierce battle over who should take control of the party, with some MPs reportedly moving to stop what they fear could become a Burnham coronation.Matthew Syed, columnist for The Times and The Sunday Times, joins us live as Westminster reacts to Burnham’s dramatic arrival in Parliament amid scenes of celebration from supporters and growing unease among critics. Does Burnham have a mandate to lead, or should Labour members and MPs have a genuine contest?Mike Galsworthy, Chair of the European Movement UK, discusses reports that Brussels is rethinking its approach to post-Brexit negotiations following Starmer’s departure, and what a Burnham leadership could mean for Britain’s future relationship with the European Union. Ten years after Brexit, has the country benefited or paid the price?Lord Matthew Elliott, former Vote Leave chief executive and author of Ten Years On: The Untold Story of Brexit, reflects on the legacy of the referendum and whether Britain has delivered on the promises of Brexit.Later, Lord Toby Young examines the growing backlash against Burnham’s rise, as well as concerns over Labour’s proposed changes to jury trials and what they could mean for free speech, civil liberties and the justice system.Andy Burnham, Labour leadership battle, Starmer resignation, Brexit at 10, EU relations, free speech and jury trials. Is Burnham the leader Labour wants, or simply the leader Labour expects? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can any party stop the small boats crisis? With more than 700 migrants crossing the Channel in a single day, the highest daily total of the year so far, pressure is mounting on the Government as critics argue that every major party has failed to get a grip on illegal migration.Isabel Oakeshott, Talk International Editor, reacts to the latest Channel crossing figures and asks whether Labour, the Conservatives or Reform have a credible plan to stop the boats and restore control of Britain’s borders.Business Affairs Editor at The Sun James Flanders discusses controversial new figures showing a surge in Personal Independence Payment claims, including for anxiety-related conditions, with growing debate over welfare spending, economic inactivity and whether the benefits system is fit for purpose.Former Old Bailey judge Wendy Joseph KC joins us to examine plans to overhaul murder laws by introducing first and second-degree murder charges. Would the changes deliver fairer justice for victims and defendants, or risk creating greater complexity in the courts?Small boats crisis, Channel crossings, immigration, welfare spending, PIP claims, economic inactivity, murder law reform and criminal justice. Can Britain’s political class solve the problems voters care most about? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do Britons make their voices heard, and what happens when people feel nobody is listening? Following a second night of disorder in Belfast, questions are being asked about public anger, political representation and whether Britain’s institutions are responding to the concerns of ordinary people.Political commentator Chloe Dobbs reacts to the fallout from violent unrest after masked rioters set fires and targeted properties following the Belfast knife attack, as tensions over immigration, policing and community relations continue to escalate.Journalist Adam James Pollock, reporting from Northern Ireland, brings the latest from the ground as authorities struggle to restore order and politicians search for answers.We’ll also hear from Jamie Bryson, editor of Unionist Voice, and Mick Fealty, founding editor of Slugger O’Toole, on what is driving the unrest, whether political leaders have lost touch with public concerns, and how people can make their voices heard without violence.Belfast riots, migrant housing attacks, immigration, public anger, political representation, Northern Ireland, policing and civil unrest. Why do so many people feel unheard? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Britain in complete economic decline? And what does the horrific Belfast attack say about the state of the country? As fresh warnings emerge that unemployment could soar towards two million, Britain is facing growing questions over economic competence, public safety and government accountability.Samara Gill reacts to explosive claims that billions of pounds in taxpayer-backed Covid loans and foreign aid funding ended up in the hands of terrorists, organised criminals and hostile states. She also discusses the shocking attempted murder investigation in Belfast, after a man was arrested following what police described as a brutal attack that has sparked widespread concern.Economists Ewen Stewart and Christopher Snowdon examine fresh warnings from the CBI that growth is set to slow and unemployment could rise sharply. Is Britain heading towards another economic crisis, and who is responsible?Meanwhile, policing, crime and justice commentator Danny Shaw takes a deeper look at the Belfast attack, the attempted murder investigation, and what the case reveals about violent crime, policing and public confidence in the justice system.Billions to terrorists, Covid loans scandal, foreign aid waste, unemployment crisis, economic decline, Belfast attack, attempted beheading investigation, crime and public safety. Is Britain losing control? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you don’t support Labour: who should be the next Prime Minister? With reports of a looming Starmer–Streeting showdown, Labour infighting escalating, and fresh speculation over Keir Starmer’s future, Westminster is gripped by resignation rumours and succession plotting.Author and journalist Alexander Larman and Telegraph commentator Annabel Denham react to claims that Buckingham Palace has entered “crisis talks” with Downing Street over the King’s Speech, amid growing fears about political instability at the top of government.Labour historian Colm Murphy and Independent Political Editor David Maddox discuss whether Labour MPs are preparing for a post-Starmer future and if Wes Streeting is positioning himself as the next leader.Plus, economist Liam Halligan breaks down the latest blow to Britain’s public finances, as rising borrowing costs, pressure on gilts and market fears pile more pressure on the government’s economic credibility.Starmer resignation watch, King’s Speech crisis talks, Labour civil war, Wes Streeting leadership rumours, UK borrowing crisis, who should lead Britain now? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Keir Starmer fighting for Britain’s future, or fighting for his own survival? With reports of leadership plots, Cabinet unrest and growing Labour rebellion, pressure is mounting on Keir Starmer after his dramatic speech declaring he “won’t walk away from the battle for Britain’s soul”.Isabel Oakeshott reacts to the escalating Starmer leadership crisis, as claims emerge of moves inside Labour to force him out.Former Cabinet minister John Redwood discusses the growing split inside Labour, reports of a possible Rayner–Burnham alliance, and whether Starmer can politically survive.Meanwhile, Cambridge professor Catherine Barnard examines the Conservatives’ latest pitch on leaving the ECHR, North Sea drilling and sovereignty, as the political battle over immigration, energy and Britain’s future direction intensifies.From Labour civil war and Starmer under pressure to ECHR withdrawal, drilling in the North Sea and Britain’s political identity, we ask: is Westminster heading towards total political upheaval? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.