The Standard

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.

Valentine’s Day is notoriously easy to get wrong — from forgettable restaurants to naff gifts. This year, the pressure is even more intense, as Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday.

In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard’s Going Out editor, David Ellis, and food and drink writer, Josh Barrie, to get their recommendations on where to eat — and not eat — on Valentine’s Day. Plus, Tamara sits down with the Standard’s shopping editor Abha Shah, to hear her take on elevated gifts that actually feel special.

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

Londoners are using cocaine more than ever, and men’s usage tips the scales two-to-one. So, why is London the ‘cocaine capital’ of Europe?

In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to freelance journalist Jordan Page, who recently investigated the capital’s latest Class A drug epidemic. They talk about how London’s pub culture intersects with the city’s cocaine habits, and why men in particular are using the drug more than ever.

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