The Standard

As protests continue across Iran amid a rising death toll and a record number of arrests, members of the Iranian diaspora in London, home to an estimated 40,000 Iranian-born residents, are gathering publicly to express support and show solidarity.In this episode of The Standard, host Tamara Kormornick is joined by Laila Jazayeri, Director of the Association of Anglo-Iranian Women in the UK. They discuss the unfolding situation in Iran, why so many are mobilising in London, and how international support could help usher in a new era for the country.Clip: Sky News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year saw one of London’s lowest rates of homicides, with less than 100 fatalities. How is the city tackling crime, and how safe is London?In this episode of The Standard, Tamara Kormornick is joined by the Director of The London Mayors Violent Crime Reduction Unit, to discuss the status of violent crime in London — and whether the city is as lawless as Donald Trump makes it out to be. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every January, campaigns like Dry January and Veganuary encourage restraint and self-denial at the coldest, darkest point of the year. But what if we’ve misunderstood both health and the seasons?In this episode of The Standard, host Alan Leer is joined by journalist Melanie McDonagh as she makes the case for “Wet January” — arguing that winter is the worst possible time to give things up, and that our modern wellness habits have lost touch with how people have historically lived through the colder months.We discuss seasonality, comfort, self-denial, and what our obsession with restraint says about modern life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is there anything better than a cultural escape as winter sets in?Today we're debunking one of the lesser-known art forms - opera - as the timelessly classical La Traviata show opens in the capital, which is the most performed opera in the world.We're joined by Netia Jones, the Associate Director of Opera at the Royal Opera, to discuss the origins of the art forum, how technology is changing it, tips for first-time opera attendees and much more.And if you’re keen to experience some new culture this year, then read more about some of our top cultural picks for the year ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support for Labour in London has fallen to a new record low with the Tories pushed into fourth place behind the Greens and Reform UK, according to a new poll.Just 31 per cent of Londoners now say they would vote for Sir Keir Starmer’s party, according to a Savanta survey, down from 43 per cent at the 2024 General Election. The broader picture is of a fracturing of political allegiances in London in a blow to Sir Keir as he fights to stay Prime Minister amid unrest among Labour MPs.The Standard's Political Editor Nic Cecil is here with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.