Homelessness minister forced to quit over London rent scandal
Labour’s homelessness minister, Rushanara Ali, has resigned from government after it emerged she evicted four tenants from a property she owns - before re-letting it just weeks later and hiking the rent by £700 a month. The move would likely be prohibited under Labour’s Renters’ Rights Bill, which introduces new protections for tenants. When Labour’s Renters’ Rights Bill comes into force, this action will be illegal. We hear from The Standard’s Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford, and Anny Cullum, political officer with the community and renters union ACORN. And in part two, journalist Arielle Domb investigates why people are administering their own botox cosmetic treatments. What’s behind the DIY movement, and what are the risks? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Interest rates cut to 4% as UK inflation picks up
Millions of homeowners were handed a boost today when the Bank of England cut its interest rate from 4.25% to 4%. The reduction is the fifth over the past year, and brings borrowing costs down to their lowest since March 2023. Theo Harris, an economist at the New Economics Foundation joins us to discuss the news. And in part two, Nick Curtis, The Standard’s Theatre Critic and co-host of The London Theatre Review Podcast, reviews broadway show Good Night, Oscar, which features Will & Grace star Sean Hayes as troubled pianist Oscar Levant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Half of police front desks set to be axed in London
The Metropolitan Police plans to close half of its front desk to save money. In a list published overnight, Scotland Yard confirmed it will break its pledge to have one accessible 24 hours a day, in each of the 32 boroughs. It comes amid an epidemic of knife crime, mobile phone snatches, shoplifting and bike theft across the capital. The Standard's Crime Correspondent Anthony France reacts to the news.And in part two, features journalist Katie Strick delves into the grim reality of modern dating, after the women's safety app Tea was targeted in a revenge attack by the right-wing anti-women group 4Chan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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How will the UK-France ‘one-in, one-out’ migrant deal work?
Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron's migrant deal comes into force today, with detentions set to begin from tomorrow. The ‘one in, one out’ pilot scheme allows the UK to send some people who have crossed the Channel back to France, in exchange for asylum seekers with ties to Britain. Daniel Sohege, a specialist in international refugee law and protection, and the director of human rights organisation Stand For All, joins us to discuss whether it will deter people from crossing the Channel. And in part two, The National Gallery has announced that a citizens’ assembly will help shape its future. The Standard’s columnist and arts critic, Melanie McDonagh shares her thoughts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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How will the police respond to mass Palestine Action protests?
The Met Police could be “tested to the limit” as hundreds have been urged to declare support for Palestine Action in central London this weekend. Protesters are being urged to turn up en masse to test whether the state can respond to such a big endorsement for the recently proscribed terror group, with organisers saying “there is safety in numbers”. Tim Crossland, a former government lawyer, who now campaigns with the civil liberties movement Defend Our Juries, has the latest. And in part two, freelance journalist Arielle Domb joins us to discuss the demise of late night dining. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From our headquarters in the heart of London, The Standard podcast sets the agenda. Top news insiders discuss the pressure-points of the day’s topics. Hear unrivalled insight on politics, culture, going out, sport, and fashion, with award-winning journalists and celebrity guests. Join us Monday to Friday at 4pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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