The Slow Newscast

Rupert Lowe is the MP for Great Yarmouth, and the leader of Restore Britain, a right-wing political party which launched in February this year. So, how did the leader of such a young, fringe party end up appearing as a guest on the world’s most popular podcast? And what does it tell us about how the far-right works? Reporter: Poppy BullardProducers: Amalie Sortland and Ada BarumeSound Design: Dominic DelargyArtwork: Lucy StevensonEditor: Matt Russell  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage has been re-elected as MP for Clacton. But that also means a Parliamentary investigation into Farage resumes. So what's next for Reform and their leader? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Peter Mandelson was sacked as the UK’s ambassador to the United States over his links with Jeffrey Epstein people wondered how he ever got appointed in the first place.Eventually Keir Starmer’s government was forced to publish more than a thousand pages of emails, messages and letters which reveal how Peter Mandelson was appointed, vetted and cleared to become the UK’s most influential diplomat.What emerges from those documents, is a story about who wields power in Britain today, how it works and how we conduct our politics.The Observer’s Ada Barumé tells the story of a political farce that begins with the appointment of Peter Mandelson and ends with the resignation of Keir Starmer.All four episodes are now available to listen to for subscribers to the Observer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Thursday 30th July, an avalanche hit the world's twelfth highest mountain. Ten experienced climbers were caught by it, among them one of the world's most famous and experienced mountaineers Nirmal Purja. Is the world of mountaineering becoming more dangerous? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When World Cup Winner Phil Vickery retired in 2010, he thought his toughest physical battles were behind him. Today, like hundreds of former players, he lives with memory loss and the looming threat of brain trauma – and he’s demanding answers. And across the world, more and more people are looking towards one man in particular.Reporters: Ben Coles and Jonathan LewisProducer: Jonathan LewisArtwork: Lucy StevensonSound design: Dominic DelargyExecutive producer: Jasper CorbettCredits: ITV, BBC, Dodge Woodall, ABC News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are companies extracting British spring water, companies like Coca Cola and Nestle, paying for that water? The answer is extraordinary. And with the threat of nationalisation, what does the future hold for our water companies? In other words, what is our water worth? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How a mislaid phone led to a nightmare of fake reviews and claims of antisemitism. When Ali, a restaurateur, realised his mobile’s security had been breached and that random things were missing from his flat, he began to feel uneasy. Was he being targeted for his politics or his personal life? And more importantly, who could stop it?Credits:Reporter - Eva WisemanProducer - Matt RussellSound design - Dominic Delargy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In early 2025, Reform hosts a fundraiser at private member’s club Oswald’s. In attendance are many of the men whose deep pockets line the party’s accounts.Reporter - Cat NeilanSeries Reporter/Producer - Poppy BullardNarrative Producer - Matt RussellSound Design - Dominic DelargyArtwork - Blythe Walker SibthorpeProducer for Goalhanger - India DunkleyExecutive Producer for Goalhanger - Tom WhiterExecutive Producer for the Observer - Jasper CorbettClips: GB News, Xenia Tchoumi, Spears Magazine, Sky News Australia, Reform UK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2019, Nigel Farage leads the Brexit Party to victory in the European Elections. But there’s a mystery at the heart of the party’s accounts. Reporter - Cat NeilanSeries Reporter/Producer - Poppy BullardNarrative Producer - Matt RussellSound Design - Dominic DelargyArtwork - Blythe Walker SibthorpeProducer for Goalhanger - India DunkleyExecutive Producer for Goalhanger - Tom WhiterExecutive Producer for the Observer - Jasper CorbettClips: Reform UK, BBC, The Times, House of Commons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another heartbreak for England in the World Cup, but does the tournament tell us anything about the nation's mentality? Rory Smith reveals the stories and moments that have stuck with him from six weeks on the road in America. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ademola Adedeji was wrongfully identified as a gang member and jailed for conspiracy to commit GBH. This is the story of how a nine second clip from a rap video upended his life.Reporter: Ciaran TraceyProducer: Matt RussellArtwork: Lucy StevensonSound design: Dominic Delargy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caesar and Sami risked everything to show the world what was truly going on in Syria after the 2011 revolution. The Caesar files are a collection of tens of thousands of photos documenting human rights abuses and torture in Syria under the dictator Bashar al-Assad. They have become the cornerstone of Syrian war crime prosecutions around the world.This is the story of the one of the most remarkable and daring collections and the courageous men behind it. A collection which may not just steer the course of international justice, but will serve as a permanent historical archive of a horrifying legacy for Syrians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When the Arab Spring reached Syria in 2011, Bashar al-Assad's regime showed itself for what it really was: a brutal force, willing to capture and kill ordinary Syrians demanding change. And in all the years that a war raged on, Asma stood by her husband. She seemingly ignored the desperate pleas to stop her husband from killing his own people. But what did she really know about the atrocities her husband’s government was carrying out? And what choices did she really have? Some people allege that she actually assisted the regime and cashed in on the war, that she herself is a war criminal. Others say she tried to run away but was trapped, held hostage by a regime who threatened her life and her children. So, who is the real Asma...or Emma as she was known?We call her Emma is a 6 part original series from Tortoise Investigates and The Observer.To binge listen to all episodes today, ad-free, subscribe to The Observer and use the code AUDIO50 to get 50% off your annual subscription.Or subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to listen to all our podcasts, including this one, without any ads.Reporter - Chloe HadjimatheouProducer - Gary MarshallSound design - Karla PatellaPodcast artwork - Lola Williams & Eliza BournerExecutive producers - Jasper Corbett and Basia Cummings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US celebrates 250 years of independence from the British Crown on 4th July. Accusations have flown that Trump has used the anniversary to celebrate himself, not the country. So what does it tell us about Trump’s place within America…and is it really that unusual?Ada Barumé is joined by the Observer’s Americans, Erica Wagner and Evan Moffitt to discuss this moment in US history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Criminal gangs have turned Britain's waste system into a goldmine and transformed pockets of the countryside into toxic wastelands. But how do you hide an 11,000 tonne illegal dump in plain sight?Reporters: Jeevan Vasagar and Jonathan LewisProducer: Jonathan LewisSound design: Dominic DelargyArtwork: Lucy StevensonExecutive producer: Matt RussellEditor: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Each year new temperature records are threatened to be broken. But the UK seems to respond not with innovative adaptation, but with shock. Why?Ada Barumé is joined by academic meteorologist Rob Thomson and Dimple Rana, who is the Heat Resilience Leader at Arup, to discuss how we got here and where we go next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following Keir Starmer's resignation, Andy Burnham is now in prime position to become the UK's next prime minister. So what does he stand for? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re speaking to Frank Cottrell Boyce, the children’s laureate, who has spent two years visiting schools, libraries, and communities to discover what it means to grow up in Britain today. He’s written about it in a new book ‘A British Childhood: How our children live now’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ordinary people are turning to illegally produced peptides in the hopes of a beauty quick fix. How are these shady black market drugs slipping through the regulatory gaps? Reporters: Stephen Armstrong and Madeleine ParrProducers: Madeleine Parr, Matt Russell and Amalie Sortland Sound Design: Dominic DelargyArtwork: Harmony BlaiseEditor: Jasper CorbettClips: ITV News, Channel 4 News, 5 News, Loreal Elvive, Ozempic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Sherpa was left for dead on Everest at the end of the climbing season. Stranded for almost a week thousands of metres up in extreme conditions, he survived. But his story is not a new story, and it raises questions about the mountaineering industry that has risen around the industry of summiting the world's most dangerous episodes.We've been here before, so can lessons be learned? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Children are being caught in a global grooming pandemic. This is the story of a mother whose daughter was one such victim.Reporter: Rachel SylvesterProducer: Matt RussellIllustrator: Sara AndreassonSound design: Dominic DelargyEditor: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The death of student Henry Nowak has shocked the country and sparked riots in Southampton. Ada Barume is joined by the Observer’s Whitehall Editor Cat Neilan and Home Affairs Editor John Simpson to discuss the implications for the government, and the police. Producer: Amalie SortlandExecutive Producer: Poppy Bullard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Senior executives of Swedish firm Lundin Oil stand accused of complicity in war crimes. The case against them took more than a decade to come to trial, and the trial was the longest in Swedish history. If they are found guilty it could change how the rich and powerful operate around the world, but will it deliver justice for the Sudanese victims of war?Reporter: Francisco Garcia Producer: Ada BaruméExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Sound Design: Dominic Delargy Artwork: Lucy StephensonEditor: Jasper CorbettClips: Äldre TV4, Journeyman Pictures Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark joins The Observer to reveal why he believes there is a chance we will see human-level AI by 2028. From how AI is already changing the job market to a historic meeting at the Vatican, he explains why we must prepare for a future where technology forces us to rethink what it means to be human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year in the UK, a fifth of people arrested for terrorism offences were under 18. Counter-terrorism experts warn that outlawing social media for children is a matter of national security. So what are children really watching online? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a leadership election on the horizon, there are discussions among the backbenches about how potential contenders might look to reshape and re-energise the UK's growth. The Observer's political editor Rachel Sylvester speaks with economics editor Ben Zaranko about what the various approaches might look like. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For decades, doping has hid in the shadows of elite sports. Now, for the first time, it’s out in the open. The Enhanced Games promises a new era of ‘superhumanity’ – is this the future of sport?Reporters: Jeremy Whittle and Chris Marshall-BellProducer: Jonathan LewisArtwork: Blythe Walker SibthorpSound Design: Dominic DelargyExecutive Producer: Matt RussellEditor: Jasper CorbettClips: ABC News, Enhanced Games, Josh Brett, Daily Mail Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was recently revealed by The Guardian that before he stood to be an MP in 2024, Nigel Farage received a £5 million gift from billionaire Christopher Harborne. But is there anything wrong with that? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blake Lively’s legal action against Justin Baldoni was settled just two weeks before it was due to go to trial. But the legal documents filed by both sides reveal something darker than a celebrity feud; a new troubling PR playbook.Reporting: Stephen Armstrong and Casey Magloire.Producers: Casey Magloire and Katie Gunning.Sound design: Dominic DelargyArtwork: Lucy StevensonEditor: Jasper Corbett Clips credits; ITV newsVogueNew York Times Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The elections look set to create ominous headlines for Labour. In the locals they could see massive losses across the country. But in Wales and Scotland voters go to the polls to determine who will run the Senedd and Holyrood. It means the results might not just determine Keir Starmer’s future, but the future of the United Kingdom.Observer editor-in-chief James Harding sits down with political editor Rachel Sylvester to unpack what the elections could mean for Keir Starmer, Labour and the United Kingdom.Producer: Amalie Sortland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Novak Djokovic has long been Serbia’s most successful athlete, and perhaps most famous citizen. But as political conflicts such as youth protests have fractured the country, the tennis superstar has found himself on the outside of a regime and a country who once heralded him.Reporters: Francisco Garcia and Camilla Bell - DaviesProducer: Madeleine ParrArtwork: Harmony ClossSound design: Dominic DelargyEditor: Jasper CorbettClip Credits: Tennis Channel, The Telegraph Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alexi is joined by the Observer's national news editor, Claudia Williams to discuss the case of Tarryn Baird. Last week, her husband, Christopher Trybus was cleared of driving her to kill herself. Where does a grieving mother who spent 10 years searching for answers go from here?Host: Alexi MostrousGuest: Claudia WilliamsProducer: Ada Barumé Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1988, a painting by Lucian Freud of his one-time friend Francis Bacon was stolen from a Berlin art gallery. It’s now worth £20 million. This week, Steve Smith goes in search of the lost art.Reporter: Steve SmithProducer: Ada BaruméArtwork: Blythe Walker SibthorpSound design: Dominic DelargyEditor: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, there’s one story dominating the headlines: the Peter Mandelson scandal and whether it spells the end for Keir Starmer’s troubled premiership. What does this episode tell us about Starmer himself and why has the Epstein scandal had so much political impact in the UK? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

According to United States and Israel, there's 460 kilograms of enriched uranium that Iran are just ten days away from turning into weapons grade nuclear bomb material. The story of Iran's nuclear arms race is less clear than they make it appear though. It's a tale of espionage, assassinations, and a high-stakes game of bluff.Credits: Reporter - Chloe Hadjimatheou Producer - Matt Russell Sound Design - Dominic Delargy Artwork - Blythe Walker Sibthorp Editor - Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After sixteen years of rule in Hungary, Viktor Orbán has been voted out of office. But in that time, he’s built a deep-rooted network of soft power through think-tanks, universities and media organisations. As the new Prime Minister Péter Magyar seeks to assert his own identity and vision for Hungary, will Orbanism’s influence cause him problems?Slow Newscast Extra: Host: Ada BaruméProducer: Amalie SortlandExecutive Producer: Matt RussellIlliberal land: Hungary’s empire of ideasReporter: David AaronovitchProducer: Jonathan LewisArtwork: Lola WilliamsSound Design: Dominic DelargyExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ceri Thomas revisits the appalling case of Peter Sullivan, jailed for 38 years for a murder he did not commit and offered no apology when finally released. Why does the court work so slowly? Why is it allowed to mark its own homework, and why is it so resistant to reform? Reporter: Ceri ThomasProducer: Katie GunningArtwork: Lucy StevensonSound design: Dominic DelargyEditor: Matt RussellSubscribe to The Observer today: https://observer.co.uk/subscribe And get access to:Our podcasts before anyone elseA daily edition, curated by our editors 7 days a weekPuzzles from the inventors of the cryptic crosswordRecipes for every occasionFree tickets to join Observer events in our newsroom or onlineSubscribe today for just £1 for your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meta and YouTube were found liable earlier this year in a social media addiction trial and ordered to pay out $6 million in damages. Could this be a blueprint for how to avoid history repeating itself with AI?Host: Alexi MostrousProducer: Amalie Sortland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, a YouTuber attempted to reach an uncontacted tribe on the remote island of North Sentinel, an area that is out of bounds for everyone else on the planet. His bid for content may have been audacious, and illegal, but it’s just the latest in a long line of misguided foreigners attempting to make contact. But do these individuals represent the greatest threat to the tribe? And what do we as a planet stand to lose if contact is made?Reporter: Xavier GreenwoodProducer: Madeleine Parr Additional production: Ada BaruméArtwork: Blythe Walker SibthorpSound design: Dominic DelargyEditor: Matt RussellClip Credits: NBC News, News 10 and News9 LiveSubscribe to The Observer today: https://observer.co.uk/subscribe And get access to:Our podcasts before anyone elseA daily edition, curated by our editors 7 days a weekPuzzles from the inventors of the cryptic crosswordRecipes for every occasionFree tickets to join Observer events in our newsroom or onlineSubscribe today for just £1 for your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A businessman from Tunbridge Wells is accused of leading a double life. He’s secretly recorded planning a brutal attack with ice picks on behalf of the Chinese state. His story takes a dramatic turn with a high-stakes escape. To enjoy the Slow Newscast ad-free, subscribe to The Observer and use the code AUDIO50 to get 50% off your annual subscription.You’ll get access to:This series and all our podcasts before anyone elseAd-free listeningPremium newslettersPuzzles from the inventors of the cryptic crosswordExclusive offers from our partnersTickets to join Observer events in our newsroom or onlineOr subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to listen to all our podcasts, including this one, without any ads.Reporters - Alexi Mostrous and Frankie VetchProducer - Jonathan LewisAdditional production - Amalie SortlandSound design - Dominic DelargyPodcast illustration - Shonagh RaeEditor - Jasper CorbettCredits - Voice of America, CBS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

American citizens are recruited to carry out Beijing’s dirty work on home soil. A Florida correctional officer poses as an art dealer, exposing the murky world of transnational repression and China’s shadow war.This is part two of a three part series. To listen to all episodes today, and enjoy the Slow Newscast ad-free, subscribe to The Observer and use the code AUDIO50 to get 50% off your annual subscription.You’ll get access to:This series and all our podcasts before anyone elseAd-free listeningPremium newslettersPuzzles from the inventors of the cryptic crosswordExclusive offers from our partnersTickets to join Observer events in our newsroom or onlineOr subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to listen to all our podcasts, including this one, without any ads.Reporters - Alexi Mostrous and Frankie VetchProducer - Jonathan LewisAdditional production - Amalie SortlandSound design - Dominic DelargyPodcast illustration - Shonagh RaeEditor - Jasper CorbettCredits - CNBC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alexi goes in search of the “long arm” of the Chinese state following a series of attacks and bounties on British soil. He uncovers a coordinated campaign of fear that has left dissidents feeling unsafe in the UK – and asks what British authorities are doing to protect them. This is Part One of a three part series. To listen to all episodes today, and enjoy the Slow Newscast ad-free, subscribe to The Observer and use the code AUDIO50 to get 50% off your annual subscription.You’ll get access to:This series and all our podcasts before anyone elseAd-free listeningPremium newslettersPuzzles from the inventors of the cryptic crosswordExclusive offers from our partnersTickets to join Observer events in our newsroom or onlineOr subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to listen to all our podcasts, including this one, without any ads.Reporters - Alexi Mostrous and Frankie VetchProducer - Jonathan LewisAdditional production - Amalie SortlandSound design - Dominic DelargyPodcast illustration - Shonagh RaeEditor - Jasper CorbettCredits - Channel 4, Sky News, ABC, CBS, NBC, BBC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every year babies are abandoned by their parents. Following a long reporting project exploring the story of one foundling on a search for her biological parents, Alexi Mostrous asks, 'why do mothers abandon babies?'. To try and make sense of these complicated, often hidden stories, he's joined by the series reporter Lucy Greenwell and the series' producer Katie Gunning.Subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to binge listen to all 6 episodes.To find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content. Head to our website observer.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Foundling is a six-part original series from Tortoise Investigates and The Observer. This is episode 1 - On the vergeJournalist Lucy Greenwell goes in search of Jess following rumours and unanswered questions about where she was born and who gave birth to her. To listen to the rest of the series, just search for Tortoise Investigates wherever you get your podcasts.Subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to binge listen to all 6 episodes.To find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content. Head to our website observer.co.uk Credits: Reporter - Lucy GreenwellProducer - Katie GunningOriginal theme music - Tom KinsellaSound design and additional music - Rowan BishopPodcast artwork - Blythe Walker SibthorpNarrative editor - Gary Marshall Editor - Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, the New York Times ran an experiment that has far-reaching implications, especially for book lovers. It asked readers to compare five pairs of writing samples — one written by AI, the other by a well-known author — and choose which they preferred. AI was chosen much of the time. So, can AI actually write good literature? Book Prize judge Erica Wagner, The Observer's book editor Tom Gatti, and author Ada Barumé discuss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

America's war against Iran has revealed plenty of gunslinging, provocative rhetoric from the US defence secretary Pete Hegseth. But is there much to learn about America's aims in Iran from Trump's self-described 'secretary of war'?Reporter/Producer: Alexi Mostrous and Ada BaruméArtwork: Blythe Walker SibthorpSound design: Dominic DelargyEditor: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Genetic testing start ups are a booming industry in America. Behind the headlines of 'designer babies' are companies tapping into disputed science, facing accusations that this is a pathway to eugenics. So what does the story of one company in particular tell us about this new field of fertility and science?Reporters: Madeleine Parr and Matt RussellProducers: Madeleine Parr and Matt RussellAdditional production: Gary MarshallArtwork: Blythe Walker SibthorpSound design: Dominic DelargyEditor: Jasper CorbettSubscribe to The Observer today: https://observer.co.uk/subscribe And get access to:Our podcasts before anyone elseA daily edition, curated by our editors 7 days a weekPuzzles from the inventors of the cryptic crosswordRecipes for every occasionFree tickets to join Observer events in our newsroom or onlineClick here to subscribe today for just £1 for your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alexi sits down with the reporter of this week’s Slow Newscast, Francisco Garcia, to talk about one stop in particular on the road to Putin’s frontline, the Orthodox Church. How did a young man from Dunblane end up converting to this ancient form of Christianity? And why are so many young men converting to the Orthodox Church?Producer: Ada BaruméExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jay Fraser was born and raised in Dunblane. Then, after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, he signed up to fight...for Russia, not Ukraine. Now he and others who have followed similar paths tell their story of how they ended up on the frontline for Putin.Reporter: Francisco GarciaProducers: Gary Marshall and Matt RussellArtwork: Lucy StevensonSound design: Dominic DelargyEditor: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Miller is the United States Homeland Security Advisor. But the vague sounding title belies his immense influence with Donald Trump behind the scenes. He’s better understood as the architect of some of the US’s most audacious recent policies - the capturing of Venezuelan President Maduro, the rollout of ICE enforcement through communities, and a threat to capture Greenland. So what can he tell us about what America will do next?Credits:Reporter: Stephen ArmstrongReporter/Producers: Madeleine Parr, Poppy Bullard, Jonathan LewisSound design: Dominic DelargyArtwork: Lucy StevensonEditors: Matt Russell & Jasper CorbettSubscribe to The Observer today: https://observer.co.uk/subscribe And get access to:Our podcasts before anyone elseA daily edition, curated by our editors 7 days a weekPuzzles from the inventors of the cryptic crosswordRecipes for every occasionFree tickets to join Observer events in our newsroom or onlineClick here to subscribe today for just £1 for your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.