James O'Brien Daily

One in four Labour members have said they’d consider supporting Jeremy Corbyn’s new left-wing, pro-Gaza party at the next general election. This news comes at a pertinent time - a UN-backed food security body announced today that famine has been confirmed in Gaza City. Lewis speaks with Zack Polanski, Deputy leader of the Green Party of England and Wales and Jan Egeland, General Secretary of the Norwegian Refugee Council and one of the architects of the Oslo Accords to hear their thoughts.And, Lewis dives back into the controversial proposition he made yesterday - that there should be a 100% inheritance tax. Fellow LBC presenter, Iain Dale, and lead writer for The Times, Sebastian Payne, join Lewis in fiery debate. This episode was recorded on the 22nd August. Catch Lewis Goodall, in for James O’Brien, all this week from 10am on LBC.

Israel has taken the first steps in a take-over of Gaza City and wider occupation of the entirety of Gaza. This comes despite widespread condemnation and warnings that the offensive will likely lead to the displacement and death of many more Palestinians. Lewis discusses the ongoing conflict with the callers and is joined by Yaakov Katz, former advisor to the previous Israeli Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett.And, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who’s been considering tightening inheritance tax in order to help balance the deficit, has been warned the move will hurt young families. Lewis disagrees, and proposes a bold 100% inheritance tax. What are your thoughts?This episode was recorded on the 21st August. Catch Lewis Goodall, in for James O’Brien, all this week from 10am on LBC.

By the end of March this year there were 200 “asylum hotels”, housing around 30,000 asylum seekers. Yesterday, a high court ruled that asylum seekers will have to be removed from the Bell Hotel in Essex - a site of large protests after an asylum seeker staying there was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. To break it down, Lewis speaks with Lauren Starkey, independent social worker & anti-human trafficking campaigner, and Lizzie Dearden, home affairs and security journalist.And, the government is launching a new Civil Service internship that’ll be open only to students of lower socio-economic backgrounds, in an effort to make Whitehall more representative of the wider population. Investigating this is LBC’s Political Editor Natasha Clark, who joins Lewis to explain the impacts this internship could have.This episode was recorded on the 20th August. Catch Lewis Goodall, in for James O’Brien, all this week from 10am on LBC.35:26.820

Welcome to another instalment of James O’Brien Daily hosted by Lewis Goodall of the LBC and The News Agents, who’s stepping in for James all this week.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hails Monday's talks with Donald Trump and European leaders as "significant" - despite progress to a peace deal or a security guarantee. Trump has, however, contacted Putin to arrange a meeting between him and Zelensky as a next step.Lewis talks through what this all means with some special guests, including Lord Peter Ricketts, cross-bench peer & former UK national security adviser, Carlo Masala, professor of international politics and author of "If Russia Wins", and Aria Shahrokhshahi, a British filmmaker who now volunteers on the front lines on Ukraine.And, Lewis discusses Palestine Action and the home secretary’s defence of its proscription as a terrorist group - a move met with condemnation by many. To date, over 700 people have been arrested for supporting the group.This episode was recorded on the 19th August. Catch Lewis Goodall, in for James O’Brien, all this week from 10am on LBC.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, along with Keir Starmer and other European leaders, are meeting Donald Trump today in an effort to end the Ukraine War. Just last night Russian drone attacks killed at least 10 people across Ukraine. Lewis discusses this pivotal moment with Hanna Hopko, Former head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Ukrainian Parliament & Co-founder International Centre for Ukrainian Victory, and Leigh Turner, Former British Ambassador to Ukraine & author of "Lessons in Diplomacy: Politics, Power and Parties".And, following yesterday’s nationwide strike in Israeli, with protestors demanding a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages, Lewis speaks with Noga Tarnopolsky, a freelance journalist based in Jerusalem and Idit Ohel, the mother of Alon Ohel, an Israeli hostage kidnapped by Hamas on October 7th.This episode was recorded on the 18th August. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The long awaited meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will be taking place today in Alaska. Putin will inevitably seek the handover of Ukrainian territory as part of any “peace” agreement. Is this already a win for Putin? If he and Trump carve up Ukraine today, then what can Ukraine and Europe do about it? James' Europe-based callers share their viewpoints.And, along with A-Level exam results came the usual debate around whether higher education in this country is up to scratch or not… why do people overwhelmingly still want to go to university?This episode was recorded on the 15th August. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer held a breakfast meeting with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ahead of Donald Trump and Putin's summit on Friday, at which they'll discuss ending the war in Ukraine. What the results of that summit will be is anyone’s guess. Can you conceive of a world in which a united Europe stands against Russia - without the US?And, James dives back into yesterday’s conversation on LBC’s exclusive access to an undercover police operation to protect female joggers from harassment - resulting in 18 arrests last month. A recent opinion piece claimed that Australian men don’t harass women anywhere near as much as British men do. James callers’ say different… This episode was recorded on the 14th August. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The police are being encouraged to disclose the ethnicity and nationality of suspects charged in high-profile cases, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper saying that the government and the public want "greater transparency". Why is the government encouraging this? An attempt to appease right-wing liars, diffuse right-wing lies, or something else?And, LBC has been granted exclusive access to a new police operation in Surrey designed to combat a surge of reports of women being harassed while running. James asks women what it feels like to receive unwanted attention when they're out and about.This episode was recorded on the 13th August. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Vladimir Putin on Friday to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky isn’t invited - not surprising, seeing as Trump consistently blames him for the ongoing war. What’s the point of this meeting and why does Trump seem to blame Zelensky?And, today, the government announced that 40,000 future tradespeople will be up-skilled in new “technical excellence colleges” in order to help “turbocharge the building of new homes, schools and hospitals”. Would you direct your child to work in a trade?This episode was recorded on the 12th August. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Yvette Cooper has defended the arrest of more than 500 people holding signs expressing their opposition to genocide and support of Palestine Action, a proscribed terror group. Around half of them were aged 60 and above - including almost 100 people who were in their 70s. James also speaks to Tamer Almisshal, senior presenter at Al Jazeera Arabic, to discuss Israel’s killing of five Al Jazeera journalists on Saturday, an action that has caused outrage across the world.And, according to the Education Secretary, white working-class pupils are being ‘written off” and not getting what they need in the education system to achieve and thrive. Which steps lead to pupils, or led to you, becoming detached from the education system?This episode was recorded on the 11th August. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Benjamin Netanyahu has approved plans for the "takeover of Gaza City" ahead of a full military occupation of the entirety of Gaza. Condemned by those calling for an end to the war, Sir Keir Starmer stated the decision is "wrong" and has called on Israel to reconsider. What is Netanyahu's endgame and and how should world leaders react?This episode was recorded on the 8th August. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Homelessness minister Rushanara Ali is facing calls to resign after claims she evicted tenants from an east London townhouse, shortly before re-listing the property at £700 increased rent a month. This practice will soon be illegal under the government’s upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill. Should she stay or should she go?And, in an interview about her childhood in Nigeria and hatred of rule-breakers, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch revealed that, as a teenager, she got one of her peers expelled by accusing him of cheating on an exam. James and his listeners share their thoughts on the controversial anecdote…This episode was recorded on the 7th August. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has called for information about police suspects such as nationality and immigration status to be shared with the public. This comes amidst growing far-right unrest about - most recently - the alleged rape of a 12 year old girl in Nuneaton. The suspects are reportedly Afghan, with Reform UK claiming they’re asylum seekers. Will more transparency diffuse racist propaganda, or increase the likelihood of racist violence?And, a new study indicates that childhood verbal abuse can be as detrimental to adult mental health as physical abuse. James asks his callers whether their experiences align with this research.This episode was recorded on the 6th August. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The latest YouGov polling shows that over half of Brits incorrectly think more migrants are in the UK illegally than legally. In reality, 96% of immigrants are here legally. How did this catastrophic misconception happen and what can be done about it?And, the Israeli foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, has accused Sir Keir Starmer of giving Hamas a “prize for terror”, regarding the Prime Minister’s statement that the UK will recognise a Palestinian state if Israel allows aid into Gaza, amongst other conditions. What difference would this recognition make to Gaza and the world?This episode was recorded on the 5th August. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer is giving serious consideration to the idea of introducing a digital ID system - in defiance of longstanding warnings by civil liberty advocates. Are you for or against digital ID, and why?And, Channel 4 has aired a documentary detailing 6 months in the life of Bonnie Blue, the pornographic actress who claims to have slept with 1,057 men in one day. Why are so many of us disturbed by the likes of Bonnie Blue and what she represents?This episode was recorded on the 4th August. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Heathrow Airport has submitted its “shovel-ready” plans for a third runway that’d allow 750 additional flights a day over London and, according to the government, generate 100,000 jobs. The Prime Minister loves the idea, whereas London Mayor Sadiq Khan is fighting tooth and nail against it. Who’s side are you on and why? And, the main internship scheme that draws university students to the civil service will now only be available for students from "lower socio-economic backgrounds", in efforts to get more of the working class into Whitehall. Do you agree with this? What will the benefits of this be?This episode was recorded on the 1st August. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Britain’s biggest police force is set to more than double its use of live facial recognition. Many are worries about the ethical use of the technology, particularly considering its complete lack of regulation. When do you stop using tech that does good, in order to prevent it being used for something bad in the future?And, Brits are “cheating the system” to get hold of weight-loss jabs before their holidays, Wes Streeting has claimed. The Health Secretary says people are pretending to be overweight, thus making themselves eligible for Mounjaro and Wegovy, which hugely reduce feelings of hunger and cravings. James speaks to these people - and ponders whether they’re actually doing anything wrong.This episode was recorded on the 31st July. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer has announced that the UK will join the other 147 UN nations that recognise the sovereign state of Palestinian, unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire, amongst other conditions. Why has Starmer done this now and what is this likely to achieve?And, for the first time ever, No 10 is hosting a reception for social media influencers at Downing Street, in an attempt to reach voters on platforms beyond the traditional media. This is not James’ area of expertise - he wants to know what this is all about.This episode was recorded on the 30th July. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

A year ago today, the nation was struck by the horrific Southport killings, in which three young girls were murdered. Today, Jonathan Hall, the independent reviewer of UK terrorism legislation, told LBC that there should be a total ban on social media for under 16s. He believes social media can radicalise young people and fuel such crimes. Do you agree?And, loss of community spaces like youth clubs, pubs and leisure centres created the “tinderbox conditions” for last summer's racist far-right riots, a new report has found. How significant do you think this loss has been to the collapse of community spirit, and in the vacuum, the growth of the far-right?This episode was recorded on the 29th July. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

James analyses the current swathe of headlines such as “Deprivation and immigration straining social cohesion, says Rayner”, “Demonstrators clash at Epping hotel as protests spread nationwide” and “Two in five arrested for last summer’s UK riots had been reported for domestic abuse.” When the entire media and political class is portraying the UK as on the brink of catastrophe, how do we hold on to the truth?And, Greece and Turkey are battling major wildfires amid a severe heatwave. In Turkey, meteorologists recorded the country’s highest ever temperature on Saturday, 50.5C - several people have died. Why aren’t we more terrified of climate change, especially in comparison to issues such as immigration?This episode was recorded on the 28th July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Under new laws beginning today, under-13s in the UK must be barred from social media. How will it work and are there aspects of online identity verification that politicians might not have considered? Joining James to discuss the new laws is Lisa Kenevan, whose son Isaac died aged just 13 in a tragedy that she believes was caused by social media exposure. Now she and the parents of three other children who died in similar circumstances are suing TikTok.And, Sir Keir Starmer is being urged to include speaking skills into the national curriculum. Himself never a man of few words, James asks what it’s like struggling with speaking, and what difference oracy lessons could make.This episode was recorded on the 25th July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The BMA has said NHS bosses will be putting patients at risk from tomorrow's resident doctors' strike. Only non-urgent care will be cancelled - a move that will spread senior doctors too thinly according to the union. Considering their 22% pay rise across the last 2 years, do you support the doctor’s strikes this time round? Also, new data shows a third of 20 to 34-year-old men in the UK still live at home, a number much higher than their female counterparts - why is this? Is this “failure to launch” even still considered a failure? And what’s it like as the parent and the young adult in this scenario?And, James speaks with Sönke Iwersen, award-winning journalist at Germany’s top business newspaper, Handelsblatt, and one of the authors of “The Tesla Files”. Based on leaked Tesla documents, the book details disturbing alleged problems with the company and its car’s auto-pilot feature, and what drives Elon Musk.  This episode was recorded on the 24th July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Following two riots outside an asylum hotel in Epping last week, Sir Keir Starmer is demanding urgent action to avoid a repeat of last summer’s far-right violence. What should they do?Also, have you ever experienced brain fog? According to a new study, the Covid-19 pandemic may have aged our brains prematurely. Do you think this has happened to you?And, more than 100 NGOs warn that "mass starvation" is spreading across Gaza, accusing Israel of not allowing food into the strip. James speaks with Dr Joanne Perry, a doctor with Médecins Sans Frontières, based in Al Helou hospital in the north of Gaza, to find out more.This episode was recorded on the 23rd July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Israel has launched another offensive in Gaza, targeting the main hub for humanitarian efforts in the strip, Deir al-Balah, amid warnings of Palestinian starvation. This latest assault comes just after Israel killed at least 85 Palestinians waiting for aid on Sunday, in what has become almost daily slaughter. Yesterday, a joint statement issued by the UK and 27 other nations condemned Israel for the "drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians". The tide in the global community has turned - but what have you learned from this conflict?This episode was recorded on the 22nd July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Water regulator Ofwat will be scrapped and replaced with a new watchdog to “prevent the abuses of the past”, including an estimated £85 billion being extracted from the UK water industry, with next to no investment. Simple question here - what has happened to our water and why?Also, the Lionesses have decided to stop taking the knee to protest against racism before their Euro 2025 matches. This comes after England star Jess Carter received significant online racist abuse and a statement from teammate Lucy Bronze saying that taking the knee wasn’t working to tackle racism. What do you think of the Lionesses decision?And, James speaks with James Ball, Editor at the New World, who’s been covering the Jeffrey Epstein case since 2014 and explains how it could break Donald Trump.This episode was recorded on the 21st July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

MP Diane Abbott has said it "is obvious this Labour leadership wants me out" after the party suspended her for a second time over comments she made about the racism experienced by black people in comparison to the Jewish and Traveller communities. What do you think of comments?And, former Masterchef presenter John Torode has been sacked by the BBC for allegedly using the N-word twice. It’s been reported that he was repeating lyrics from rapper Kanye West’s hit Gold Digger, which contain the racial slur, at an after-work ­gathering six or seven years ago. Should he have been fired?This episode was recorded on the 18th July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Four MPs have been suspended by Labour for their rebellion against welfare cuts earlier this month. One of them, Rachel Maskell, described the cuts as "Dickensian” and belonging to a “different era and a different party". She’ll now sit as an independent and says that the suspension won’t silence her. What do you think about this moment of Starmer’s premiership and what makes a rebellion righteous, as opposed to dangerous?And, today’s breaking news - the government has confirmed that the voting age will be lowered to 16 across the UK for the next general election. James sees this as a universally positive move for our democracy. Do you agree?This episode was recorded on the 17th July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The previous government withheld news of their operation to relocate 24,000 Afghans to the UK in order to protect some of those that they’d put at risk of Taliban attack after a Ministry of Defence data leak. So, why did the government cover it up?Also, the two men that cut down the Sycamore Gap Tree have both been jailed for four years and three months. Is this a fair punishment?James is joined by Gabriel Shemirani, whose sister Paloma died from cancer last year at just 23 years old. They discuss Gabriel’s assertion that their mother pressured Paloma into refusing treatment based on conspiracy theories.And, James speaks with historian and author Dr Eliza Filby about her book "Inheritocracy: It’s Time to Talk About the Bank of Mum and Dad", which explores the divide between those who can rely on family wealth and those who can’t - and the damage this is doing to society. This episode was recorded on the 16th July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Secondary school pupils in England are to be taught about "incel" culture, with a focus on positive role models for boys in efforts to tackle “manosphere” related misogyny. To help understand the importance of this, James asks what it’s like to grow up without a positive role model as a boy.And, James is joined by Lewis Goodall for the breaking story on which he’s been working for 2 years, but was legally required to keep secret - until today. Using an unprecedented super-injunction, the UK government witheld knowledge of a catastrophic data breach that exposed thousands of Afghan people who had worked with UK forces during the Afghanistan War, putting them in danger of attack by the Taliban. Since then, the government has undertaken a secret relocation operation of thousands of those Afghan people to the UK. This episode was recorded on the 15th July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting will meet representatives from the BMA this week, as he hopes to avert five days of strikes by resident doctors. Public support for the strikes has plummeted from 52% in the last round to 26%, according to new polling. Have you changed your mind on doctors strikes?Also, last week’s sacking of former MasterChef host Gregg Wallace came after 45 of the 83 allegations against him were upheld, including one of unwanted touching and three of exposing himself. In a statement he defended himself, citing his recently diagnosed autism as a reason for the alleged behaviour. Could autism have played a role in his alleged sexual misconduct?And, with MPs warning that a new mandatory duty to report child sex abuse could end up having "little or no consequence," James speaks with ​​Jonathan West, Director of Mandate Now, a pressure group that campaigns for more robust policy in the area.This episode was recorded on the 14th July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

How do we tell the difference between the relatively tiny number of people who take advantage of the welfare state and those who suffer from serious mental health issues? Once that is established - what will really help them?Also, French President Emmanuel Macron has said that Brexit has drastically worsened the UK's small boats crisis, because the UK no longer has a migratory agreement with the EU. Considering this and the stats, James states that those who orchestrated and voted for Brexit are in fact the ones who’ve caused the illegal immigration crisis. And, James hosts an incredible interview with Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, to discuss Israel’s assault on the people of Gaza, and her new report: “From economy of occupation, to economy of genocide”.This episode was recorded on the 11th July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Major building projects in the UK take two and half years longer to complete than in the rest of the developed world, according to new analysis. Why is the UK so slow?Also, pubs across Britain will close down at a rate of more than one a day this year, according to new research. Why are pubs dying off, and this a natural, or unnatural death?And, James speaks with Donie O'Sullivan, senior correspondent at CNN, whose podcast, Persuadable, seeks to guide people whose loved ones have fallen into a rabbit hole of conspiracy theories.This episode was recorded on the 10th July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned junior doctors that the public will “not forgive them” for launching another wave of disruptive strikes as he made clear that a pay rise was off the table. Is he right?Also, James speaks with James Ball, Political Editor of The New World, who explains how and why Elon Musk’s Grok AI chatbot praised Hitler on X (formerly known as Twitter). And, James is joined by Lara Lewington, whose new book Hacking Humanity reveals how we can harness the power of technology to improve our lives now and transform our healthcare system for a better future.This episode was recorded on the 9th July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

The government has declined to rule out a wealth tax, following former Labour leader Lord Kinnock championing the policy. Such a tax remains public enemy number 1 for many right wing figures and their supporters. How are poor people persuaded to protect the interests of the super rich by opposing a wealth tax?And, the Chief Executive of the College of Policing has said the smell of cannabis made him feel unsafe in his own community and that police “ought to do something about” it. Is he right?This episode was recorded on the 8th July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Today is the 20th anniversary of the 7/7 London bombings, when four bombers attacked central London, killing 52 people and injuring hundreds more. James remembers those who lost their lives, plays back LBC audio from the day itself and speaks with several brave people who were deeply impacted by the attacks.First, Emma Craig, a survivor, who was 14 years old and travelling into the city for work experience when an explosive went off in the carriage next to hers. Next, Marcelle Stroud, former Met Police CCTV Coordinator DC, who investigated the attacks in the aftermath of the bombings and discovered footage of the bombers.Finally, Azuma Wundowa, who was 16 years old when her mother Gladys was killed in the bus which was blown up at Tavistock Square. This episode was recorded on the 7th July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has set out a digital overhaul of the NHS, centred around a new NHS app. He said “The NHS app will become a doctor in your pocket, bringing our health service into the 21st century”.  ​​Will this work?Also, prolific shoplifters are to be barred from stores and prosecuted using the first national database of repeat offenders. Why has there been an epidemic of such successful shoplifting?And, the producer of a documentary, Gaza: Doctors under Attack, that was dropped by the BBC has accused the corporation of trying to gag him and others over its decision not to show the documentary. James analyses this in the context of the BBC’s so-called “impartiality” regulations.This episode was recorded on the 4th July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

In her first public comments since crying at Prime Minister's Questions yesterday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said she was having a "tough day", but that she is "totally" up for the job. How did you respond to the Chancellor's tears and how do you think she’d been treated in the media since?And, The Health Secretary has announced he will give more people access to weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, stating that “the jabs are a route not just to lower weight, but lower taxes”. Are weight loss jabs going to change the world?This episode was recorded on the 3rd July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Keir Starmer was humiliated during yesterday’s welfare reform vote, losing control of the Commons and swathes of his own MPs. What has Starmer done that has led him here, after winning an unassailable majority just a year ago? To James chew this over, he speaks with Tom Baldwin, former Labour Party advisor, journalist and author of the upcoming “Keir Starmer: The Biography.”And, the cost of the UK’s obesity epidemic has soared to £126bn a year according to a new study. Why don’t we make the obvious and necessary changes to fight obesity?This episode was recorded on the 2nd July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

The government's welfare bill passed by 335 votes to 260 today, after ministers made last-minute concessions to avoid a possible defeat. What would actually help you get back to work?Also, a criminal investigation has been launched into the Glastonbury performances of both Bob Vylan and Kneecap after the police reviewed footage. Is anyone more outraged by Bob Vylan's words than civilian deaths at the hands of the IDF?And, three former senior staff at the hospital where nurse Lucy Letby murdered seven babies and attempted to kill seven others have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. James speaks with Liam Gotting, LBC's reporter in the North West, for the details.This episode was recorded on the 1st July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Prime Minister, Keir Starmer has criticised the ‘appalling’ anti IDF Chants made by Bob Vylan during their Glastonbury performance at the weekend. Today, James asks how is it that we are still discussing a festival chant rather than how many people have been killed in Gaza since the incident happened?And, new research has revealed the number of entry level jobs in the UK has dropped 32% since the release of ChatGPT in November 2022. James asked listeners how their lives and jobs have been impacted by AI.This episode was recorded on 30th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Another U-turn from Sir Keir Starmer, and this time on the controversial welfare bill. Today, James asked his listeners what these constant policy shifts mean for the public’s perception of the Prime Minister? Can a government change its mind this often without losing credibility?In a deeply troubling story, James also discussed the dismissal of two Met Police officers after a tribunal into the inappropriate strip-search of a 15-year-old schoolgirl in 2020. James heard from listeners — including Sam from Acton, whose own daughter was recently searched — about the disturbing patterns of bias in our institutions.After a heavy week of headlines, the show closed with some lighter fare, including some of the most-changed names in the UK, and James was joined by writer and producer Patrick Dalton, whose film Chicken Town hits cinemas this weekend.This episode was recorded on 27th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

In today’s episode, James O’Brien unpacks another political crisis for Sir Keir Starmer’s government. With over 100 Labour MPs demanding a delay to the controversial Welfare Bill, pressure is mounting on the Prime Minister to perform yet another policy U-turn. What’s going wrong inside Number 10 — and why is Labour’s grip on power already showing signs of strain?Then, on a lighter note, James dived into the surprising decline of dating apps among Gen Z. Why is the generation raised online suddenly swiping left on digital romance?This episode was recorded on the 26th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

The US military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities last weekend did not destroy the core components of the country’s nuclear program, as President Trump claims, and likely only set it back by months, according to a leaked US intelligence report. Despite this, the head of NATO has referred to Donald Trump as "daddy" as he lauded the US president over the Israel-Iran “ceasefire”. Is sycophancy inevitable?And, a growing number of Labour MPs are supporting a bid to block the government's planned welfare changes, which would cut disability benefits to save £5bn a year by 2030. Are these welfare cuts fair?This episode was recorded on the 25th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Israel has accused Iran of violating a ceasefire, which Iran has denied, hours after the deal brokered by Donald Trump and Qatar came into effect. When questioned about it on live TV, Trump attacked both countries and said the f-word. What should Keir Starmer be doing here?Also, the health secretary, Wes Streeting, has launched a national investigation into NHS maternity services in England. This has come after a series of high profile failures and preventable losses of life, including several infants. What is wrong with maternity care services in England? And, it’s Daniel Hannan Day! To "celebrate", James speaks with John Springford, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre For European Reform and Dmitry Grozoubinski, Founder of Explain Trade, to analyse the infamous post-Brexit predictions from the wrongest man in the world. This episode was recorded on the 24th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Iran claims it has after launched missile attacks on a US military base in Qatar and Iraq, in response to the US dropping "bunker buster bombs" on three key nuclear sites in Iran over the weekend. Why did Trump decide to hit Iran?This episode was recorded on the 23rd June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The White House says Donald Trump will decide in the next fortnight whether the US will get involved in Israel’s war against Iran. Do you think he’ll do it?And, following the 8th anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire last Saturday, James speaks with Ed Daffarn, Grenfell survivor whose blog catalogued a series of concerns about the tower block before the disaster occurred. He features in the new documentary, Grenfell: Uncovered.This episode was recorded on the 20th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer is weighing up whether to provide the US with military support if Donald Trump decides to attack Iran. If we do get involved, what would it mean to you, the world, and our future?And, HS2 will be delayed again, beyond its target of 2033, and will not be completed on its already enormous budget. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander blamed previous Conservative governments - but how has this happened?This episode was recorded on the 19th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump is reportedly considering joining Israel's strikes on Iran. As this conflict escalates, comparisons will be drawn with the disastrous US military intervention in Iraq - is history repeating itself? Also, a new study named “Sleeping with the Enemy” found that the risk of splitting up with your partner if you disagree on Brexit increases by more than 60 per cent. Can you love someone and hate their politics?And, James speaks with Tim Gregory, nuclear chemist working at the Sellafield nuclear site, who sets out the argument in his new book “Going Nuclear: How the Atom Will Save the World”.This episode was recorded on the 18th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer has defended his decision to hold a national inquiry into grooming gangs. Baroness Louise Casey’s report recommends both a national police operation to review cases of child exploitation not acted on, as well as a national inquiry. Today, James asks victims of sexual abuse as a child to share what happened when they told someone about it.And, Baroness Casey shared evidence from her report with MPs and asked that the results not be used for political ends - James is also joined by LBC’s Political Correspondent, Aggie Chambre, for the details.This episode was recorded on the 17th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Israel says it has "full aerial operational control" over the Iranian capital Tehran, after four days of intensifying strikes between the countries, with growing casualties on both sides. Is it possible that Israel's actions are unconscionable in Gaza, but justified in Iran? And, importantly, James asks his listeners what the reality of being a citizen of modern Iran actually is.This episode was recorded on the 16th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Israel launched strikes across the “heart” of Iran’s nuclear programme last night, killing senior military figures, scientists, and according to Iranian state media, civilians and children. Iran then struck back, sending around 100 drones to Israel, most of which were intercepted. Is this Benjamin Netanyahu’s latest attempt at self-preservation, or is this action morally justified? And, James is joined by David Challen, whose mother killed his father after a lifetime of coercive control. David successfully campaigned for his mother’s release and has been a prominent domestic violence campaigner ever since. His new book, The Unthinkable, tells his story.This episode was recorded on the 13th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

James discusses the warning that police forces will struggle to fulfil Sir Keir Starmer’s promise to recruit an additional 13,000 officers. Why aren't people joining the police? Would you?Also, earlier today, a London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 people crashed in Ahmedabad, western India. On board were 169 Indian, 53 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian national. James is joined by two aviation experts to try and understand how this might have happened. Please note this story is ongoing and there may have been developments since the time of recording.And, a new report has found that the bonnet height of new cars in the UK and Europe is rising relentlessly, significantly increasing the death rate when pedestrians are struck and especially dangerous for children. James can’t stand SUVs - why do people drive them in the first place?This episode was recorded on the 12th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

The UK has sanctioned two extremist far-right Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, over "repeated incitements of violence against Palestinian communities" in the occupied West Bank. Is this too little, too late? Or a major step in the right direction?And, government ministers are planning to scrap the 200 years old Vagrancy Act, which outlaws rough sleeping in England and Wales. James’ listeners share their personal stories about how easy it is to end up homeless. This episode was recorded on the 11th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Yesterday's U-turn on the controversial winter fuel payment cuts restored the allowance to all pensioners with an income of £35k or less a year. Does this U-turn make the government look better, or worse? How does that £35k threshold sit with you?And, Israel has said it’s deported Greta Thunberg, a day after the IDF intercepted The Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s aid boat, arresting Thunberg and the other 11 campaigners on board. What would Israel have done if Greta wasn’t there, and was her mission a success?This episode was recorded on the 10th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles continued for a third day yesterday, with Donald Trump calling in the National Guard against the wishes of California's Governor Gavin Newsom, who has said he’ll be suing the President for doing so. What’s Trump’s plan? James breaks it down with the callers and LBC’s Washington Editor, Simon Marks.And, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed the government’s U-turn on winter fuel payment cuts, reinstating the payment for more than three-quarters of pensioners. Natasha Clark, LBC’s Political Editor explains the significance of this policy change.This episode was recorded on the 9th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Lewis Goodall stepped in for James O’Brien for the final day, bringing you a packed episode that examines major fractures on the political right, on both sides of the Atlantic.In the United States, Elon Musk has publicly broken ties with President Donald Trump, marking the end of a high-profile alliance that had become increasingly influential in conservative political circles. The rift follows Musk’s recent departure from the Department of Government Efficiency and signals a significant shift in the dynamics of the American right.Meanwhile, in the UK, Reform Party chairman Zia Yusuf has resigned, stating that he no longer believes working in politics is a good use of his time. The decision comes after comments from newly elected MP Sarah Pochin regarding banning the burka sparked internal tensions.With both events unfolding within hours of each other, today’s episode looks at what these developments signal about the broader direction—and disarray—of populist movements in the UK and the US.This episode was recorded on the 6th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed the government’s U-turn on the controversial winter fuel payment cuts that were set to come into play this winter. Lewis thinks this fiasco shows that old, rich people in the UK have too much political power - do you agree?And, Lewis is joined by Ali Milani, National Chair at the Labour Muslim Network, to speak on its recent survey showing that one in three Muslim Labour MPs, councillors and mayors described the party as institutionally Islamophobic. Ali also shares the shocking islamophobia that he’s allegedly received from within the party.This episode was recorded on the 5th of June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Rachel Reeves is announcing £15bn in spending for public transport outside London, saying the UK will not see a return to austerity. Do you accept this? And why have we been prevented from developing infrastructure in recent years? Lewis is joined by Sam Dumitriu, Head of Policy at Britain Remade, which campaigns to promote economic growth via infrastructure, for his thoughts.Also, police cuts will mean ‘some crimes must be ignored’, according to head of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Mark Rowley, who wrote to Sir Keir Starmer in light of the spending review. What do you think of this, and have you had recent experiences where the police haven't done their job? Lewis is joined by Stephen Roberts, Former Deputy Assistant Commissioner for the Met Police.And, Gaza aid points have closed for the day after Israel killed at least 27 Palestinians trying to access food from one yesterday. Lewis is joined by Amira Nimerawi, Senior Programmes specialist at the Palestinian Medical Relief Society and CEO of Health Workers 4 Palestine, to hear what this means on the ground.This episode was recorded on the 4th of June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

A major deal that hoped would save Thames Water has collapsed, with US private equity group KKR pulling out of negotiations that would have seen them inject £4 billion in fresh equity into the company. What is next for Thames Water - do you believe it will be successfully nationalised?And, a man who burned a copy of the Quran outside the Turkish consulate in London has been convicted. In a statement, the man said his conviction was "an assault on free speech”, with others in the public sphere echoing this sentiment, including Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch. Was this conviction fair? And can one hate a religion, but not its followers?This episode was recorded on the 3rd of June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Today, Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled the government's new defence spending plans, stating that the UK military is moving to "war-fighting readiness", but he's being criticised for a lack of urgency in hitting the promised 3% spending increase. To help work out whether this is the case, Lewis is joined by Mike Martin, Liberal Democrat MP for Tunbridge Wells and a member of the Defence Select Committee and Natasha Clark, LBC's Political Editor.And, Reform UK has launched a new Elon Musk-style “Doge” unit to crack down on waste and inefficiency in English councils. The party has pledged to slash spending on diversity, equality and inclusion programmes - but their figures simply don‘t add up. Lewis speaks with Reform Chairman Zia Yusuf and asks the callers why Reform aren't scrutinised as heavily as other parties.This episode was recorded on the 2nd of June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick has posted a video of himself delivering “vigilante justice” to people he accused of fare dodging in London. Why do we find petty crimes like fare jumping so enraging and what is Honest Bob Jenrick’s plan?Also, new figures show that almost 2.5 million people are likely to have ADHD in the UK. James explores the possibility of himself having ADHD and asks what difference a diagnosis can make to your life.And, James speaks with Dr Alonso Gurmendi, a fellow in human rights at LSE's Department of Sociology, to discuss why he and other lawyers are making the case that Israel is committing genocide.This episode was recorded on the 30th of May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

In today’s episode, James drew on analysis from across the political spectrum, as he explored the Conservative Party’s current decline and questioned whether a route to recovery remains viable. Listeners, particularly former Conservative voters, were invited to reflect on whether the party has passed the point of no return and what a future revival might entail.James then turned to a harrowing investigation by LBC into the rise of knife crime among young people. With exclusive data revealing a 60% surge in incidents involving blades on school grounds over the past two years, he considered the deeper societal context behind this alarming trend. In search of understanding, James examines the root causes that may drive young people to carry weapons in modern Britain.Finally, attention shifted to major developments in the United States. Overnight, a federal court in Manhattan blocked former President Trump’s sweeping international trade tariffs, ruling that the emergency powers cited did not grant unilateral authority for such measures. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has stepped down from his role within Trump’s administration. James spoke with LBC’s Washington correspondent, Simon Marks, to unpack the implications for international trade and political dynamics in the US.This episode was recorded on the 29th of May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Thames Water has been fined £122.7m for breaching rules over sewage spills and shareholder payouts - the biggest penalty in water company history. How did we let them get away with it and whose fault is it that we're only waking up to this now?And, people caught driving illegal e-scooters will see their vehicles crushed within 48 hours under new police powers. James thinks they’re a scourge on society, but is painfully aware he sounds like an old git in saying so - what do you think?This episode was recorded on the 28th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

50 people, including four children, are injured after a car ploughed into a crowd during Liverpool’s Premier League victory parade yesterday. The suspect has been described as a “53 year old white British man” - but what if he wasn’t a white British man? In telling us this, have the police accepted that far-right violence in response to crimes committed by none-white people are guaranteed? Also, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has said the government is looking at scrapping the two-child benefit cap. What was the cap designed to do, and what are your thoughts on its scrappage?And, James speaks with Phillips O'Brien, Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St Andrews, to discuss the evolution of the Ukraine War, including German Chancellor’s Merz’s backing of Ukrainian military strikes.This episode was recorded on the 27th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Data shows that 52% of first-time buyers can only get on the ladder with help from the 'Bank of Mum And Dad', it feels inevitable that this figure will continue to rise, but what does that mean for society as we age? What happens when those who have been stuck renting forever want to retire? And, it's looking very likely that Sir Keir Starmer is due to change his winter fuel payment policy, and it got James thinking about the importance of being able to change your mind and opinion. Is it something you can easily do? 

From the war zones of Bosnia to the frontlines of Gaza, Christiane Amanpour has reported from the epicentres of global upheaval for over three decades. Her commitment to being “truthful, not neutral” made her one of the most respected correspondents of her generation and a sharp, unwavering voice in the age of misinformation.In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with Christiane to explore the emotional and political terrain of her career. They trace her journey from Tehran to CNN’s international anchor desk, discussing the deep personal impact of motherhood, the shifting challenges for women in journalism, and the influence of her high-profile marriage to diplomat Jamie Rubin. From candid reflections on the media’s role in Trump-era America to her evolving understanding of clarity, empathy and leadership, this is a conversation shaped by the past but rooted firmly in the turbulent present.Christiane also opens up about her new podcast, The Ex Files, co-hosted with her ex-husband Jamie Rubin. Told through the prism of their 20-year marriage and subsequent divorce, the series explores the biggest issues of the day and the historical moments that shaped them- from Donald Trump’s return to office, to the escalating global economic crisis, the war in Gaza, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine- all examined through lived history on opposite sides.Listen to The Ex Files here

The latest Office for National Statistics figures show that UK net migration almost halved in 2024. As significant as this sounds, will these numbers make much difference to our political discourse, especially to those most vocal in their resentment of immigrants?And, Shabana Mahmood, the Lord Chancellor, is considering mandatory chemical castration for the most serious sex offenders, such as paedophiles, according to government sources. James approves, do you?This episode was recorded on the 22nd May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has called out Israel’s military escalation in Gaza as "morally unjustifiable", demanding an end to its aid blockade, suspending trade talks and imposing sanctions. From support to disgust - how did it get to this?This episode was recorded on the 21st May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

With the media responding to Sir Keir Starmer's new landmark UK-EU deal, the question that James wants answered is, can we avoid falling into old traps, or are we destined to bow to the right-wing media like before?With several businesses publicly confirming that this new deal will benefit the majority of us, will the nation move forward and listen to those trusted voices, or will they be swayed by those with the most to gain? This episode was recorded on the 20th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer has finalised a landmark UK-EU deal that’ll make trading with the European continent easier and hosted a summit with the EU leaders in London today. The Conservatives and Reform UK have described the deal as a "surrender". Is it time for James to abandon the attitude of "contempt for the conmen, compassion for the conned"?Also, Dmitry Grozoubinski, Founder of Explain Trade and author of the book, ‘Why Politicians Lie About Trade: ... and What You Need to Know About It', explains the the facts of the deal.James also listens to and reflects upon Gary Lineker’s statement on leaving the BBC.This episode was recorded on the 19th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Interest from American buyers in UK property has reached its highest level in eight years, with Edinburgh emerging as the most popular destination, according to new figures. James asks why Scotland has such a different attitude towards immigrants than the rest of the UK.And, James speaks with Victoria Rose, consultant plastic surgeon, who is currently working at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, South Gaza. Today alone, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza had reportedly killed at least 93 people. This episode was recorded on the 16th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer’s post-Brexit 'reset' talks with Brussels have met a hitch over fishing. British fishing waters were one of the most effective tools of the Leave Campaign, but what’s actually happened to our fishing industry since Brexit, and why did fishing become so important before disappearing overnight? James also speaks with Peter Foster, World Trade Editor of the Financial Times, for his take on the UK’s relationship with the EU. LBC’s Political Correspondent Aggie Chambre shares the details on Keir Starmer’s asylum seeker “return hub” plans.And, analysis from the University of Oxford has shown that people taking weight loss jabs such as Mounjaro can expect to regain the weight within a year of stopping. James ask his callers who use these drugs whether they’re just too good to be true.This episode was recorded on the 15th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Downing Street has defended Sir Keir Starmer’s language on immigration, which some on the left has likened to that used by Enoch Powell. The questions remain, who exactly is Starmer targeting and how does it feel to be on the receiving end?Unsurprisingly, Starmer is grilled on his speech in today’s Prime Minister’s Questions - James and LBC’s Political Editor Natasha Clark listen and analyse.And, James speaks with Lucy Easthope, international adviser on disaster recovery, to discuss her new book “Come What May: Life-Changing Lessons for Coping with Crisis”, detailing how one can apply the lessons from her career to everyday, smaller disasters.This episode was recorded on the 14th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Starmer’s speech on the government’s immigration white paper in which he warned that “we risk becoming an island of strangers” has been likened to Enoch Powell’s infamous Rivers of Blood speech. Who is the Prime Minister speaking to with this?Also, it’s Speak to Sadiq - the Mayor of London joins me in the studio to answer James and the callers’ most pressing questions - Keir Starmer’s speech, Gaza and Thames Water were on the agenda.And, James speaks with Peter Geoghegan, Editor of the Democracy for Sale, with an exclusive story on the US spy-tech firm Palantir and its data platform that NHS hospitals have been rejecting.This episode was recorded on the 12th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer will be drastically tightening immigration policy. He says the reforms will see net migration drop even further, but do the numbers actually matter to the people this new policy is supposed to please?And, UN-backed assessment has said that Gaza's population of around 2.1 million Palestinians is at "critical risk" of famine, as an Israeli blockade on food and humanitarian aid continues. Why are we closing our eyes to Gaza’s horror?This episode was recorded on the 12th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer says the new UK-US trade deal will save thousands of jobs in the car and steel industries. James breaks down the detail with Dmitry Grozoubinski, Founder of Explain Trade, and asks if Starmer could have done any better.Also, two men have been found guilty of felling the world famous Sycamore Gap Tree, a crime that enraged the nation. As a country, why were we so emotionally invested, and should the men be sent to prison for chopping down a tree?And, Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as Pope Leo XIV. The 69-year-old is a Chicago native and the first American to hold the papacy. How much influence and importance does the Pope have in the 21st Century?This episode was recorded on the 9th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Even in the wake of the UK-India trade deal, an actual benefit of Brexit, many Brexiteers are forgoing celebrations and instead painting Indian workers as the winners, and UK workers as the losers. In this anti-immigrant political climate, how can Labour prove to the electorate that it is benefiting them?Also, migrants coming to live and work in the UK will be required to speak A-Level standard English under a new proposal from the Government. Who is this policy designed to appease, and will it work?And, James also speaks with historian, broadcaster and host of the History Hit Podcast, Dan Snow, who shares some very important lessons from the past as we honour VE Day.This episode was recorded on the 8th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

India launched air strikes on Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir last night, leaving many civilians dead, in the worst fighting between the two nations for decades. This has coincided with the near completion of a UK-India trade deal. What are the stakes here and what happens if the conflict escalates?Also, a new report into last summer’s far-right anti-immigrant riots has found that the police force is ill-equipped to tackle the impact of online misinformation - which fuelled the disorder. Why do people spread misinformation? Is the battle with the tech platforms that have the power to restrict such content already lost?And, James speaks with journalist Harry Shukman, author of “Year of the Rat: Undercover in the British Far Right”, to hear exactly what he learned while working undercover with various far-right groups.This episode was recorded on the 7th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The Government is rethinking its controversial winter fuel payment cut as anxiety grows at potential electoral repercussions. How big a deal is the winter fuel allowance, and how would you fix it?The Israeli security cabinet has approved a plan to 'capture' Gaza, in which troops will indefinitely occupy the region and forcibly relocate the 2.1 million Palestinians living there to the southern enclave. Was this the plan all along?This episode was recorded on the 6th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

This is a catch-up version of James O'Brien's Mystery Hour from the 1st May. The James O'Brien Daily Podcast will return after the bank holiday, on Tuesday 6th May. Have a wonderful weekend!

Nigel Farage’s Reform has this afternoon taken control of seven councils, just hours after dramatically beating Labour in a by-election for Runcorn and Helsby.Is Keir Starmer Labour’s main problem? How can Nigel Farage, a politician with such a bad track record, enjoy such public support?And, James speaks with the Co-Founders of Project Pure Hope, an organisation that helped bring two girls from Gaza over to the UK for urgent medical treatment. These children are the first to be granted temporary UK visas and healthcare since the beginning of the war.This episode was recorded on the 2nd May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The Met Police officer who was cleared of murder after shooting and killing Chris Kaba is now going to be investigated for gross misconduct by the independent police watchdog. James asks if this investigation is necessary. And, James speaks with Phillips O’Brien, Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St Andrews, about the resource deal that’s been finalised between Ukraine and the US. What does it mean for both parties?This episode was recorded on the 1st May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

James and LBC’s Washington Editor Simon Marks fact-check Donald Trump’s speech in Michigan celebrating the first 100 days of his second presidency. The Met Police officer who was cleared of murder after shooting Chris Kaba will face a gross misconduct hearing, the police watchdog has said. James speaks with LBC’s reporter Fraser Knight for the details.It’s been reported that men are to blame for the so-called “motherhood penalty”, and that men still don't do enough housework in comparison to women. Why has so little changed, and is this the case in your household?And, LBC Correspondent Emma Corr joins James to break an exclusive story on the farmer who was forced to bin 300 tonnes of strawberries due to Brexit border delays.This episode was recorded on the 30th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The UK and the EU have outlined a “new strategic partnership” intended to improve trade and security in Europe - totally at odds with Donald Trump’s alignment with Russia. Should Keir Starmer lean to Europe, or America?James is joined by LBC’s Washington Editor Simon Marks, to analyse the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s second term.And, after years of posting cycling videos, broadcaster Jeremy Vine will stop sharing his content, as he’s been the victim to huge amounts of anti-cyclist trolling, including death threats. What is it about the UK that makes us a bunch of anti-cyclist road ragers?This episode was recorded on the 29th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Ultra-processed foods, including processed meats, breakfast cereal and fizzy drinks are causing almost 20,000 premature deaths in the UK each year, a study has suggested. Why are Brits so susceptible to junk food?And, experts in child development told MPs today that children may struggle to maintain relationships as an adult if they experience verbal abuse as children - the most prevalent form of child maltreatment. Have you been affected by verbal abuse as a child?This episode was recorded on the 28th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Can we get the social media genie back in the bottle? Technology Secretary Peter Kyle is considering a social media curfew for kids, but has said no decisions will be made unless all the data backs it. Do we need a social media curfew? How bad is the impact of social media?And, Sir Keir Starmer and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, met yesterday to discuss plans for a new UK/EU defence pact. Contrastingly, 10 years ago, Brexiteers such as Nigel Farage used the idea of a European Army as a highly effective tool to convince the public to vote to leave the EU - but what were we meant to be scared of?This episode was recorded on the 25th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

In the wake of a deadly Russian drone attack on a bus in Ukraine, which killed 9 people, Donald Trump has accused the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of harming peace negotiations by refusing to relinquish sovereignty of Crimea to Russia. James believes the US and Russia are now allies. What does this mean for both Ukraine and the world?James is also joined by LBC’s Political Editor Natasha Clark, who shares her interview with Chancellor Rachel Reeves, during which they discussed the potential for a UK-US trade deal.This episode was recorded on the 24th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The list of states, institutions and people around the world that US President Donald Trump offends grows by the day - but why does Trump never do a single thing that upsets Vladimir Putin's and the Kremlin?And, as he marked St George’s Day, Sir Keir Starmer urged the public to reclaim the English flag from the far-right. James asks a question that is simultaneously simple and complex - what is Englishness and why do you feel English?This episode was recorded on the 23rd April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Pope Francis died in the early hours of Easter Monday. His funeral will take place on Saturday, which will start the first of nine days of global mourning. A liberal Pope, his attitudes were both loved and controversial. James asks what it means to be Catholic, and why Pope Francis’ death has generated such an extraordinary response.Also, for the first time, the Home Office is to publish the nationalities of criminal immigrants in the UK. Why are Labour doing this and why would anyone welcome this policy?And, James speaks to Fatima Whitbread MBE, former javelin world record holder and x2 Olympic medalist, about her campaign to improve the lives of children in care and care leavers.This episode was recorded on the 22nd April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

This is a catch-up version of James O'Brien's Mystery Hour from the 17th April. The James O'Brien Daily Podcast will return after the bank holiday, on Tuesday 22nd April. Have a wonderful Easter weekend!

Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, has said the West as we know it no longer exists. Given Donald Trump’s rejection of America’s role as leader of the free world, James thinks she’s right - do you? And, in an open letter in the Financial Times, dozens of members of the largest body representing UK Jews have condemned Israel's government for the war in Gaza. How significant is this moment?This episode was recorded on the 17th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The Supreme Court has ruled that "woman" in UK law refers to biological sex, rather than one’s gender identity. This is being celebrated by some, while others feel dismay and that trans-people are being erased from society. What does the court ruling mean and what are people celebrating?James is also joined by the journalist and author David A Graham, to speak about his upcoming book “The Project: How Project 2025 is Reshaping America”, which explains why many people believe that a mysterious document by a conservative think tank is the blueprint for Donald Trump’s America.This episode was recorded on the 16th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The Birmingham bin collector strikes will continue after the latest pay offer by the city council was "overwhelmingly" rejected. Do you support the strikers? What would you do if your boss wanted to cut your wages?Also, James speaks with LBC’s Washington Editor Simon Marks for the latest from the US, including Donald Trump blaming the Ukraine war - again - on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.And, the Prime Minister has pledged to give 16 year olds the right to vote, which would extend the franchise to around 1.5 million young people. Is he right to do so?This episode was recorded on the 15th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

A report by MPs has found no evidence for “two tier policing” during last summer’s violent far-right riots, following the murder of three little girls by the Southport killer. The report also stated that the law preventing the police revealing more information about the suspect, who was a British Christian, should be reviewed, as the truth could have countered the disinformation claiming that he was a Muslim asylum seeker, which fuelled much of the violence. Shouldn’t the government be focusing on punishing those who spread false information, rather than changing the system? Does the report’s findings insinuate that, if the killer had been an asylum seeker or a Muslim, that the riots would have been less wrong?And, research has found that stress is taking an “immense toll” on the lives of teachers in England, with only 1.5% of those working in schools being unaffected. Why is teaching in 2025 so stressful and what has changed to make it so?This episode was recorded on the 14th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The US-China trade war has deepens - again. Beijing retaliates to yesterday’s 145% levy with a 125% tariff on US goods, with President Xi Jinping calling on the EU to join China in opposing "bullying" from the US. With the future global economic and political landscape hugely uncertain, James asks whether Keir Starmer should take bold action to protect the country’s interests by softening Brexit?And, James discusses the BBC’s reinstallation of a statue sculpted by the paedophile and artist Eric Gill, on the outside of its London HQ. Can the artist ever be separated so far from the art that such a works, by such a man, should be on public display?This episode was recorded on the 11th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump paused his tariff hike on all global economies bar China’s, where the trade war has deepened even further - at the time of writing, tariffs on China stand at 145%. Why has Trump done this? What does the future look like? Should these actions prompt Keir Starmer to rebuild bridges with the EU?James also plays back an interview with psychologist, writer, and Donald Trump's niece, Mary Trump, in which she describes what she claims are her uncle’s worsening delusions.And, James speaks with LBC’s Washington Editor Simon Marks, who brings insider details analysis the capital.This episode was recorded on the 10th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump continues to dismantle democratic institutions, defy court orders, deport innocent green card holders and facilitate cronyism. Time for James to ask the big question - is the Trump administration fascist?And, the UK government is developing a “murder prediction” programme which it hopes will identify members of the public most likely to become killers. Is this pragmatic, or dystopian?This episode was recorded on the 9th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Following days of tariff turmoil, US stocks rally, while European and Asian markets also stabilise. China, so far, is refusing to withdraw its retaliatory tariffs, saying it will “fight to the end”. Trump has threatened to hit Beijing with an additional 50% tariff if they don’t withdraw their levy by the end of today.How do you make sense of what Trump is doing? Are we wasting our time trying to analyse him using the normal methods? What comes next? This episode was recorded on the 8th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The head of the Muslim World League says young British Muslims are growing more disillusioned because of the war in Gaza, while the shocking video of Israeli forces opening fire on the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, before killing 15 medics, contradicts the IDF’s initial explanation for the killings. How much damage has Benjamin Netanyahu’s government done to the Israeli cause?Also, health workers will be sent into the community door-to-door, under drastic new NHS plans to tackle sickness rates across England. Will the scheme work?And, James speaks to Dmitry Grozoubinski, founder of Explain Trade and author of “Why Politicians Lie About Trade: ... and What You Need to Know About It”, about the fabled US-UK trade deal.This episode was recorded on the 7th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

In the wake of Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs, should Keir Starmer retaliate or negotiate? James also tackles another possibility - how long could it take for this all to blow up in Trump’s face?And, James speaks with Neil Henderson, the father of Jim Henderson, an aid worker and former Royal Marine that was killed in an Israeli drone strike in Gaza last April. Neil shares his son’s story and legacy.This episode was recorded on the 4th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Stock markets across the world dropped today after Donald Trump's sweeping tariff announcements. Sir Keir Starmer has said this will "clearly" have an economic impact on Brits, but that the UK will keep a "clear head", while also considering retaliatory measures. What should Starmer do?James is also joined by Ta-Nehisi Coates, an American journalist and author, for a brilliant conversation about the dramatic reaction to his latest book, “The Message”, which explores destructive nationalist myths and describes the segregation he witnessed first hand in Israel and the West Bank.This episode was recorded on the 3rd April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump is set to announce his global tariffs at 9pm tonight. Can Keir Starmer, who’s being urged to fight back with retaliatory tariffs, stand up to Trump? James also analyses some of the New Jersey Senator Cory Booker’s record breaking anti-Trump speech from yesterday.Also, Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch has said she opposes protest-free buffer zones around abortion clinics and thinks they undermine free speech in the UK. Why are certain powerful individuals so against abortion and are the buffer zones actually an assault on free speech?And, James speaks with Nebal Farsakh, Spokesperson for the Palestine Red Crescent Society, about the killing of several Palestinian medics by Israeli forces last week in Gaza. This episode was recorded on the 2nd April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer has admitted that the UK is likely to be hit by Donald Trump’s global trade tariffs, as the US refuses to sign an economic deal with Britain. James gets into the nitty gritty: What's the reason for tariffs? When did they originate? How will these tariffs affect us?The Prime Minister has described Netflix’s hugely influential series Adolescence as something that the entire nation is talking about. Yet today on LBC the Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch revealed that she hasn’t watched it. James and his listeners break this down.This episode was recorded on the 1st April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The number of men becoming secondary school teachers has plummeted to a record low, while conversations about the effects of online misogyny and healthy role models are being had more than ever. Do boys need male role models specifically, and if so, why?NHS bosses have decided to shut the maternity unit at a major London hospital in response to a dramatic fall in the birthrate in its area in recent years. If you’re child free - why? And how do people react when you tell them?This episode was recorded on the 31st March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Labour has come under fire from its welfare cuts, with affected families forecasted to lose £1,720 on average a year. James and his listeners look to identify exactly who Labour is trying to appeal to right now.Also, mid show, Keir Starmer’s director of communications quit - after just 9 months in the job. LBC’s Political Correspondent Aggie Chambre shares the details.And, Just Stop Oil is to cease its campaign of civil resistance after 3 years of climate action. The group stated that its initial demand to end new oil and gas is now Government policy. Did it succeed in its mission?This episode was recorded on the 28th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

More than 3 million UK households will lose out as a result of the government’s cuts to welfare, according to official analysis, with an extra 250,000 people forecasted to fall into relative poverty by the end of the decade. How will this impact you?And, the Netflix drama Adolescence has brought much needed attention to toxic masculinity and dangerous online influences such as Andrew Tate. James speaks to women about their thoughts on the show and the conversations it's opened up.This episode was recorded on the 27th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

As well as plans to bomb Yemen's Houthis being leaked in the US security breach yesterday, messages also revealed a contempt toward America's European allies. One of US Vice President JD Vance’s messages stood out: "I just hate bailing Europe out again". Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth replied: "I fully share your loathing of European freeloading. It's PATHETIC". Why does JD Vance have this attitude towards Europe?James also speaks with Phillips O'Brien, Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St Andrews, who explains why yesterday’s US-negotiated "Black Sea Ceasefire" is a betrayal of Ukraine.This episode was recorded on the 26th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

A journalist was accidentally added to a group chat on which the US Government was planning the bombing of Yemen's Houthis. The chat included US Vice President JD Vance, Defence secretary Pete Hegseth and the leaders of US national security and intelligence. When questioned this morning, Donald Trump said he knew nothing about it. Is this indicative of the incompetence of the Trump administration?And, the Palestinian director of the Oscar-winning documentary “No Other Land” has been arrested by the IDF after being attacked by Israeli settlers. James speaks with Raviv Rose, a jewish activist of the Centre for Jewish non-violence, who witnessed the attack. This episode was recorded on the 25th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The UK’s first live facial recognition cameras, intended to make fighting crime easier, are being set up in south London. Would you be comfortable with these cameras arriving on your street, or is this an invasion of privacy?Brits spend less time in the office than workers in every other country bar the Philippines, research claims. Why are Brits resisting the call back to the office?Elton John, Stormzy and Coldplay are among a group of artists backing Ed Sheeran’s call for Keir Starmer to commit £250m to music education. Would you be the same person you are now without having been introduced to music?This episode was recorded on the 24th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is considering a smartphone ban in England schools. Pressure mounts from MPs to act on the effect of social media on teenagers, encapsulated by the viral Netflix drama, Adolescence. Is totally banning phones from schools possible?Also, there’s been a huge rise in women working beyond the state pension threshold simply in order to survive. Simple question here - will you ever be able to retire?And, James speaks with LBC’s Scotland Political Editor, Gina Davidson, for the details on Nicola Sturgeon’s clearance of wrongdoing in regards to the case investigating alleged embezzlement of SNP funds.This episode was recorded on the 21st March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump has suggested the US takes over ownership of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants as part of a truce between Ukraine and Russia. Is Trump’s second term changing the West beyond all recognition?Also, James speaks with LBC’s Political Editor Natasha Clark, who shares the highlights from her recent interview with the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey.Also, James speaks with Jerusalem-based journalist Noga Tarnopolsky, who details why Israeli protestors are saying that Benjamin Netanyahu’s latest bombardment of Gaza is ‘cover’ for his campaign to retain power.And, Labour’s long-awaited curriculum review would see UK pupils sitting fewer GCSE exams, with an increased focus on applied skills. Does our system currently put too much emphasis on academic subjects?This episode was recorded on the 20th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Over 1 million disabled people could be set to lose thousands of pounds under the government’s welfare overhaul. James asks his listeners if these changes go too far.Also, Former England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate says that young men are suffering from a lack of positive role models and are being influenced by toxic online figures, gambling and pornography. Why are young men so susceptible to these dangers?And, James speaks with Suzanne O'Sullivan, neurologist and author of “The Age of Diagnosis: Sickness, Health and Why Medicine Has Gone Too Far”, to ask whether we’re being over diagnosed by doctors in today’s world.This episode was recorded on the 19th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Despite the ceasefire, more than 400 Palestinians were killed by Israeli air strikes overnight, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Humanitarian organisations have expectably been overwhelmed. James speaks with Rosalia Bollen, spokesperson for Unicef, who is in Southern Gaza and asks listeners what the likelihood is that Benjamin Netanyahu will continue this war until Gaza is entirely destroyed?Also, millions of people in England and Wales should have their BMI checked regularly to curb obesity, an NHS watchdog is recommending. What was your wake up call to lose weight and what does it feel like to have loved ones refuse to hear that wake up call?And, James speaks with LBC’s Washington Correspondent Simon Marks, who shares the latest on Donald Trump and the US.This episode was recorded on the 18th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

According to a new study, almost 4 in 10 members of Generation Z are considering leaving their job, with mental health identified as a “major driver” of this. Why is this happening and what can we do about it? Also, the author of the new book, “Why I Would Never Fight for My Country”, argues that ordinary people should never be sent into battle. The 27 year old German states that he’d “rather be occupied than dead.” Why is he wrong?And, I speak with Steve Herman, Chief National Correspondent for the Voice of America (VOA), which has had almost all of its staff placed on administrative leave after Donald Trump signed an order to dismantle it.This episode was recorded on the 17th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Kier Starmer announced yesterday his intention to abolish NHS England to bring the healthcare service back under government control to reduce bureaucracy and costs. Today, James searched for the lived experiences of those who have worked with NHS England, to highlight why the abolition may be welcome. Following Monday’s focus on online safety, James also returned to this topic as the UK Schools Leader announced that social media platforms must be held accountable for their role in bullying and the spread of “deepfakes.” He asked his listeners a unique question, how much damage has social media done?Furthermore, as reported by The Times, creative subjects such as art, music, and drama are at risk of being removed from the school curriculum. Listeners gave their testimonies that reflect the impact access to arts has on individuals, when exposed at a young age.This episode was recorded on the 14th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

United Nations experts have accused Israel of committing genocidal acts and sexual violence in the Gaza Strip, citing Israel’s systematic destruction of women’s healthcare facilities during the conflict. However, this raised the question of whether the world has ceased monitoring the situation in Gaza. What implications does this have for global affairs?  James also reflected on Jamie Oliver’s call for increased government support for individuals with dyslexia. As one of the most prevalent learning difficulties affecting approximately 1.2 million children in the United Kingdom, Jamie has criticised the current system as inadequate for dyslexic and neurodivergent children, highlighting the number of individuals who are falling through the cracks. Today, James heard from individuals who live with dyslexia and shared their experiences of receiving a diagnosis later in life.James also spoke with Adam Ratner, a paediatric infectious diseases physician in New York City, who provided insights into the anticipated outbreak of measles in West Texas, given the recent spread of measles myths perpetuated by RFK.This episode was recorded on the 13th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump has intensified his trade war and implemented a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports to the US, while the EU has retaliated. The president also used the White House driveway to promote Tesla cars after shares in the firm slumped. Is there method in the madness? To help us digest Trump’s second term so far, James speaks with Donie O'Sullivan, Senior Correspondent at CNN, who’s recently interviewed Steve Bannon, stood amongst supporters of the January 6th Insurgent criminals pardoned by Trump, and visited the people of Greenland, which Trump has stated he wants to annex.And, James speaks with Emma Holten, a gender policy consultant and the author of “Deficit: How Feminist Economics Can Change Our World”, and asks whether the world’s economies properly account for the contributions women make to them.This episode was recorded on the 12th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer has called the current benefits system unsustainable, indefensible and unfair. He’s vowed to cut £3bn over the next three years and is expected to announce billions more in savings from the personal independence payment (Pip), the main disability benefit. How hard or easy is it to claim disability benefits, and how worried are you at the prospect of cuts?Also, James speaks to Guy Shrubsole, author of “The Lie of the Land” and “Who Owns England”, for the details on the potential for Britain’s land registry to be opened to the public.And, James speaks with Mohamed El-Erian, Former Deputy Director of the IMF, who explains why US shares fell sharply again on Monday and why President Donald Trump has refused to rule out a recession.This episode was recorded on the 11th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

It’s Online Safety Day at LBC, as James asks whether the new laws to be implemented under the Online Safety Act will be enough to protect children. LBC polling has found that almost three-quarters of people in Britain back the idea of raising the minimum age of social media use to 16.James speaks with with Ellen Roome and Lisa Kenevan, two mothers suing TikTok over their  TikTok for the alleged wrongful deaths of their children.Also, LBC reporter Henry Riley shares all the details from the his investigation into what a 13-year-old girl can be exposed to on TikTok.And, Dr Kaitlyn Regehr, UCL associate professor and author of the upcoming book “Smartphone Nation: why we are all addicted to screens and what you can do about it”, shares her expertise.This episode was recorded on the 10th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Prosecutors argued in court that Andrew Tate’s online misogyny fuelled Kyle Clifford’s triple murder, in which he raped his ex-girlfriend and killed her along with her mother and sister. When did you, as a woman, notice the effects of this type of misogyny on your life?Matthew Savill, Director of Military Sciences at RUSI and James discuss whether Europe can successfully fight Russia without the US.Also, James is joined by Sadiq Khan following a new report revealing the London boroughs most opposed to his expansion of the ULEZ Zone have seen the largest reductions in harmful gases thanks to the policy.And, James speaks with Oz Katerji, a Ukraine correspondent in Kyiv, who shares how Ukrainians are reacting to Donald Trump.This episode was recorded on the 7th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

EU leaders are to gather for an emergency defence summit to discuss Ukraine and wider European security, with France's President Emmanuel Macron warning that the continent is at a "turning point of history". No representative from the UK will be in attendance because of Brexit. Where does this leave us and what should Starmer do?Top doctors have urged the government to implement an outright ban on smacking children as evidence shows it offers no benefit and causes physical and emotional damage. James asks whether you were hit by your parents in a way that, although acceptable at the time, caused you trauma? Or did you hit your kids and now regret it?This episode was recorded on the 6th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

US Vice President JD Vance has denied insulting British troops after describing a UK-backed proposal as "20,000 troops from some random country that hasn't fought a war in 30 or 40 years". Does the UK actually have any power to influence the Ukrainian peace process? Why does Vance keep attacking the UK specifically?Also, Donald Trump has imposed the latest round of tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China. James speaks with Dmitry Grozoubinski, Founder of ExplainTrade and author of "Why Politicians Lie About Trade", to explain what this means.And, James speaks with Victoria Rose, a consultant plastic surgeon who’s been to Gaza to provide medical support several times, before Israel denied her access on three occasions in February. This episode was recorded on the 5th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

President Donald Trump has paused US military aid to Ukraine, in a shocking move that has been welcomed by the Kremlin. Can Europe cope without America’s support? Why is Donald Trump aligning with a nation that has historically been the sworn enemy? And, has the need for a re-armed and re-unified Europe ever been more urgent?This episode was recorded on the 4th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump and his Vice President JD Vance’s Oval Office meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky descended into a huge row, such that the Ukrainian President was asked to leave without signing a deal with the US that would have jointly developed Ukraine's valuable minerals as part of a peace-settlement. What, if anything, did Trump and Vance achieve on Friday, and what does their vilification of the Ukrainian president mean?This episode was recorded on the 3rd March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

James analyses Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s meeting with President Donald Trump yesterday with the help of LBC’s Political Editor Natasha Clark, who was one of the journalists at the White House, and Phillips O'Brien, Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St Andrews. Was the meeting a success?A 14-year-old boy has lost a court case he brought against his own parents after they moved him from London to a Ghanaian boarding school. He claims they tricked him into the move by saying he’d just be visiting a sick relative. Do you approve of what the parents did? Should parents be allowed to do this at all?This episode was recorded on the 28th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in Washington for talks with US President Donald Trump. He intends to negotiate for a US security guarantee in Ukraine. What will success look like for Starmer and, by association, Ukraine?Teachers want guidance on schooling children about the “manosphere” to tackle the spread of Andrew Tate-style misogyny in classrooms. How has online misogyny manifested itself in your life?This episode was recorded on the 27th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Defence Secretary John Healey has said the “world has changed” and that Britain must prioritise “hard power” over “soft power”. What actually is soft power, and is he right?Donald Trump has shared an AI generated video of “Trump Gaza”, featuring golden Trump statues, bearded belly dancers and Benjamin Netanyahu on a sunbed. James and his listeners try to work out exactly what the US Government hope to achieve with this.And, it’s Wednesday, which means James and LBC Political Correspondent Aggie Chambre analyse Prime Minister’s Questions. This episode was recorded on the 26th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The US has sided twice with Russia in votes at the United Nations on resolutions marking the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. What does this mean for Ukraine, and the free world?Also, James presses play on some of Keir Starmer’s announcement of the "biggest sustained defense budget increase since the Cold War", in which the Prime Minister specifies how he intends to support peace in Ukraine.And, Labour’s 1.5 million new homes pledge is in doubt due to a shortage of skilled workers. James asks about the reality of working on building sites, the likelihood of Labour achieving its pledge and how we should attract workers to come here to do the work.This episode was recorded on the 25th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The far-right AfD Party has made historic gains in Germany’s federal election, winning a record 20.8%, but does the AfD offer anything to its supporters other than anti-migrant rhetoric? And, polling shows almost a third of children in the UK have refused to go to school at least once in the past year. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has indicated that this is linked to “casual parenting”, but what is the difference between “I won't” go to school and “I can't”?This episode was recorded on the 24th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has indicated that spending cuts will have to be found to fund a boost to the defence budget. How do you persuade the public that we need to spend more on defence and what is the current state of the British military? Prime Minister Keir Starmer is meeting with Donald Trump next Thursday, in his first visit to the White House since the President’s inauguration. How should Starmer approach this visit and the lies that Trump has told about Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this week?And, LBC Political Correspondent Aggie Chambre will be explaining just what the Alliance for Responsible Citizens - the right wing conference at which Jordan Peterson, Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch have been in attendance - is all about.This episode was recorded on the 21st February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

US President Donald Trump has escalated his attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him a "dictator" and saying he is to blame the war with Russia. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended Zelensky as "Ukraine's democratically elected leader". What should we do when the leader of the free world, Donald Trump, is in the pocket of Vladimir Putin? James speaks with Sir Bill Browder, anti-corruption campaigner and head of the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign, to find out.This episode was recorded on the 20th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Unbelievably, US President Donald Trump has blamed the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for starting the war with Russia, while continuing to exclude Ukraine from its own peace-talks. Considering this and the unprecedented appeasement of the Kremlin by the White House - has Putin already won the war?Also, James interviews the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who takes your phone calls. A report from the Commons' Women and Equalities Committee is warning against "ageist stereotyping" across the UK. When did you first realise that the outside world saw you as old?This episode was recorded on the 19th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Successive governments trying to look "tough on crime" have driven a rising prison population that's overwhelmed the system, according to a new report. Why doesn’t prison work? Why does the public still think that it does? Also, Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch has said “our country and all of western civilisation will be lost” if efforts to promote rightwing ideas fail. She implored Brits to get up off their knees and “fight”. What does she mean and who does she want us to fight?And, the head teacher of a school in Monmouth has introduced Saturday detentions for disobedient pupils. He’s said his school has “zero-tolerance towards defiance”. Do most kids perform better under strict teachers? How much do disruptive children impact teachers and peers?This episode was recorded on the 18th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he is "ready and willing" to put UK troops on the ground in Ukraine to help guarantee its security as part of a peace deal. Should British troops be sent to Ukraine?And, US Vice-President JD Vance has verbally attacked European democracies, saying the greatest threat facing the continent was not from Russia and China, but "from within". Why is he saying this?This episode was recorded on the 17th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

With Donald Trump at the helm, America’s role within international politics and its relationship with Russia is changing. Do we actually understand what it means for America to stop being the leader and protector of the free world?And, according to The Times Generation Z survey, people aged 18-27 are more unhappy, in greater debt and far more pessimistic about Britain than their parents. What’s it like being Gen Z today? For those with Gen-Z children, what’s it like knowing you might not leave your kids better off than you were?This episode was recorded on the 14th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The man himself, James O’Brien, is back!Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have agreed to begin negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. As part of a peace settlement, according to the US Defence Secretary, Ukraine should abandon hopes of winning all its territory back from Russia. Is this simply appeasement?Also, more than 100 new towns could be built under the UK government's plans for the "largest housebuilding programme since the post-war era". How’re we going to build them, and what’s it like moving to a brand new town?And it’s Thursday, meaning the return of mystery hour!This episode was recorded on the 13th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Lewis Goodall of The News Agents podcast is covering for James O’Brien, live on LBC from 10am, and of course, right here on James O’Brien Daily.The government is making it almost impossible for refugees arriving on small boats to become British citizens. Will this prevent small boat crossings and are Labour acting too much like the Conservatives? Lewis speaks with Labour MP Stella Creasy, who disagrees with the change.Also, rebel Labour MPs are pushing the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, to adopt a four-day working week in her employment rights bill. Lewis speaks with Peter Dowd MP who put forward the amendment and asks if a 4-day working week would be realistic.Lewis also speaks with Leila Molana-Allen, Special Correspondent for PBS NewsHour, about Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump’s claim that they’ll remove the ceasefire in Gaza if Hamas does not release all Israeli hostages by Saturday.And, Lewis catches up with LBC’s Washington Correspondent for all the details on Elon Musk’s denial of a 'hostile takeover' of the US government.This episode was recorded on the 12th February.

Lewis Goodall of The News Agents podcast is covering for James O’Brien, live on LBC from 10am, and of course, right here on James O’Brien Daily.Labour MP Kim Leadbeater would change her proposed assisted dying bill so that cases are signed off by experts rather than a judge. Critics believe this could threaten impartial decision-making. Lewis asks whether this change would strengthen or weaken the bill and speaks with Labour MP Dr Peter Prinsley, who's in favour of the legislation.Also, Elon Musk is leading a bid of $97.4bn for the purchase of OpenAI, the operator of Chat GPT. Considering the billionaire’s recent takeover of state institutions as well, Lewis asks if we’re witnessing state capture and what his ultimate aim is. And, Lewis speaks with LBC reporter Fraser Knight for all the details on today’s High Court ruling that The Metropolitan Police cannot dismiss officers by removing their vetting clearance, thus limiting the force’s ability to sack officers who might be a danger to women and vulnerable people.This episode was recorded on the 11th February. Catch Lewis Goodall, in for James O'Brien, tomorrow from 10am on LBC.

Lewis Goodall of The News Agents podcast is covering for James O’Brien, live on LBC from 10am, and of course, right here on James O’Brien Daily.Labour have been accused of mimicking Reform UK’s approach to immigration after sharing videos of migrant raids online. Will this tactic work to combat Reform's growing popularity? Lewis speaks with Labour MP for Hackney North & Stoke Newington Diane Abbott, who shares her view.Also, a second Labour MP has apologised for offensive comments made in a WhatsApp group after Andrew Gwynne was sacked for his messages in the same chat. Where should the line should be drawn when sharing potentially offensive messages?And, Lewis interviewed Conservative Shadow Minister, Alex Burghart, who defended Boris Johnson's infamous comment about muslim women looking like “letterboxes”. Lewis compares this sentiment to that of anti-semitism and asks if there’s a hierarchy of racism in this country.This episode was recorded on the 10th February. Catch Lewis Goodall, in for James O'Brien, tomorrow from 10am on LBC.

Lewis Goodall of The News Agents podcast is covering for James O’Brien all this week live on LBC from 10am, and of course, right here on James O’Brien Daily.Government figures show the number of young people who do not work because of long-term sickness with a mental health condition has increased by 26% in the last year. Remarking on this, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has said that too many young people see the world of work as stressful and accused some benefit claimants of “taking the mickey”. Is she right?Also, Donald Trump is imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court, accusing it of “baselessly” targeting the US and Israel following the ICC’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza. War correspondent Chris Stephen shares all the details, and Lewis speaks with Donald Trump’s nephew, Fred Trump III, who believes Trump will illegally run for a third term.And, hundreds of Rwandan troops have been killed during covert operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, contradicting claims from Rwandan officials that its soldiers are not involved. Was the Conservative Government right in declaring the Rwanda plan safe for deportees? Lewis speaks with Mark Townsend, Senior Development reporter at The Guardian who published today’s exclusive on the conflict. This episode was recorded on the 7th February. Catch Lewis Goodall, in for James O'Brien, each day this week from 10am until Friday on LBC.

Lewis Goodall of The News Agents podcast is covering for James O’Brien all this week live on LBC from 10am, and of course, right here on James O’Brien Daily.Britain’s head of counter-terrorism has compared the harm social media can do to children to that of cancer by smoking. Indeed, social media’s potential to radicalise was highlighted by the Southport killer Axel Rudakubana, who watched violent and extremist videos online prior to killing three girls. Should there be a social media ban for children?Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has announced that she’d bar migrants on work visas who claim benefits from settling in the UK. Lewis asks his listeners how hard it actually is to secure citizenship in the UK.And, last month was the warmest January on record, according to new data. Will we ever be able to address climate change?This episode was recorded on the 6th February. Catch Lewis Goodall, in for James O'Brien, each day this week from 10am until Friday on LBC.

Last night President Donald Trump said that all Palestinians in Gaza should be resettled and promised to develop the land into the “Riviera of the Middle East”. These plans have been internationally condemned. Should the world be taking Trump seriously? Lewis speaks with Noga Tarnopolsky, freelance journalist based in Jerusalem, Chris Gunness, Former Chief Spokesperson for UNRWA and Stephen Flynn, SNP Leader in Westminster and MP, to find out.And, Prime Minister Keir Starmer declares his stance on Trump's plans in Prime Minister’s Questions - Lewis and LBC’s Political Editor Natasha Clark discuss.This episode was recorded on the 5th February. Catch Lewis Goodall, in for James O'Brien, each day this week from 10am until Friday on LBC.

Lewis Goodall of The News Agents podcast is covering for James O’Brien all this week live on LBC from 10am, and of course, right here on James O’Brien Daily.Reform UK has overtaken Labour and is topping a landmark YouGov poll for the first time. Lewis compares this with the rise of right wing nationalist parties across Europe and asks if populism can be stopped.Also, the parents of the late Thomas Kingston, the husband of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent's daughter, are calling for changes in how antidepressants are prescribed following Thomas tragically taking his own life. Lewis asks Dr Simon Opher, Labour MP, leading GP and chair of the All Parliamentary Group, “Beyond Pills”, whether Brits are over-prescribed with antidepressants.And, it's been reported in the US that President Donald Trump has given Elon Musk access to the internal federal payments system that controls the flow of trillions of dollars in government funds every year. Is Elon Musk a significant danger, or an innovator?This episode was recorded on the 4th February. Catch Lewis Goodall, in for James O'Brien, each day this week from 10am until Friday on LBC.

Lewis Goodall of The News Agents podcast is covering for James O’Brien all this week live on LBC from 10am, and of course, right here on James O’Brien Daily.Over the weekend, Trump announced 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, and hit China with a 10% levy. He’s also renewed calls for Canada to become America’s 51st state. Lewis speaks with Canada’s High Commissioner Ralph Goodale and UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and asks his listeners whether we’re witnessing the collapse of the US as the leader of the free world.Lewis also speaks with Former International Development and Foreign Office Minister, Alistair Burt, to speak about the consequences of Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s plans to shut down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).This episode was recorded on the 3rd February. Catch Lewis Goodall, in for James O'Brien, each day this week from 10am until Friday on LBC.

Five years ago today, the UK left the European Union. YouGov polling this week showed just 3 in 10 Brits now think it was the right decision. James asks how so many fell for the promises of the Vote Leave campaign and who should take the most responsibility for Brexit. He also takes a look through the Brexit archives and plays some of the most shocking interviews with politicians and the public from the run up to the referendum… including the Nigel Farage phone-in that broke the internet.This episode was recorded on the 31st January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The UK population is set to rise by nearly 5 million over the course of a decade, largely because of net migration, but how do you convince people that, despite what many politicians and newspapers say, the UK does in fact need significant levels of immigration?Also, according to a survey of teachers in England and Wales, some children are starting reception “unable to climb a staircase” and still in nappies. Are parents failing to support their children’s early development, or is this a result of the “iPad generation”?And, Mystery Hour is back!This episode was recorded on the 30th January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered a major speech this morning, in which she promised to create the “right conditions” to support growth in the British economy and outlined just how Labour intends to do that. James, his listeners and LBC’s Political Editor Natasha Clark analyse the speech.Also, it’s Prime Minister’s Questions and James speaks with LBC’s Political Correspondent Aggie Chambre to digest all the details.And, a UK law firm that was used by the sanctioned Russian mercenary chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, to sue the British journalist Elliot Higgins, has been found to have acted lawfully. Peter Geoghegan, author of Democracy for Sale, explains the controversy.This episode was recorded on the 29th January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

England’s children’s commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, has said that children involved in last year’s race riots following the Southport attacks should have their criminal records wiped clean. James asks whether this should be the case and why.And, former Premier League referee David Coote has come out as gay and revealed that a life spent hiding his sexuality led to “really poor choices”, including using cocaine, that led to his sacking last year. To what extent is explicit homophobia still a major feature of football and wider society?This episode was recorded on the 28th January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

To mark Holocaust Memorial Day, James asks how the dehumanisation of an entire group of people can happen. He interviews Laurence Rees, historian and BAFTA winning documentary maker, who’s latest book is “The Nazi Mind: Twelve Warnings From History”. James also reminisces on a conversation with his late friend and Holocaust survivor, Lili Pohlmann.This episode was recorded on the 27th January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The Southport killer, Axel Rudakubana, has been sentenced to a minimum of 52 years in jail. In the aftermath of this horrific crime, in which he stabbed 3 girls to death at a Taylor Swift themed dance class, James ask what “evil” is, and whether people can be born evil. James speaks to Rudakubana’s father’s former English teacher.Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley told LBC today that “there are too many young men, online, obsessing over violent material”. What are the signs that your teenager is consuming dangerous material online?And James discusses the recent story of a pregnant hairdresser who was demoted to cleaning and making tea after she announced she was expecting. She has since won almost £90,000 in compensation. Did your employer have a negative reaction to your pregnancy?This episode was recorded on the 24th January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Following Prince Harry and Lord Watson’s emphatic victory in their lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers, which publishes The Sun, James asks two questions. Firstly, following NGN’s admission of criminal wrongdoing, should the police should pursue the case further? Secondly, have enough of the UK media already cultivated sufficient anti-Sussex sentiment to prevent this from happening?The government has pledged to build major infrastructure projects like nuclear power stations, railway lines and wind farms built faster under new planning rules, while Keir Starmer vows to curb “Nimby” legal blocks to such projects. What’s the reality of getting major building projects off the ground, or, being the “Nimbys” in question?And, Mystery Hour returns, where the public phone in to ask and answer questions about absolutely whatever they want!This episode was recorded on the 23rd January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Unprecedented news broke today: Prince Harry and Lord Watson have settled a long-running legal battle with publishers of The Sun, News Group Newspapers. James analyses Rupert Murdoch’s News Group’s "full and unequivocal apology" and payment, and finds out what the settlement means with a consultant to Prince Harry’s legal team, Dr Evan Harris.And how was Southport killer Axel Rudakubana able to buy a knife aged just 17 on Amazon and watch violent terrorist content on X in the hour before killing three young girls? Can the government rein in these tech platforms and their billionaire owners to stop these atrocities happening again?This episode was recorded on the 22nd January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The father of Southport killer Axel Rudakubana stopped his son from returning to his former school a week before he stabbed three young girls to death in July last year at a Taylor Swift dance class. James wonders how scared Rudakubana's father was at what his son was capable of and asks what parents with potentially violent children can do to prevent the worst.And Elon Musk made what many suggested to be Nazi salutes at Donald Trump’s inauguration yesterday. James contemplates just how wide our window of acceptable opinion has reached.This episode was recorded on the 21st January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Israel has freed 90 Palestinian prisoners, after the first three Israeli hostages were released from Hamas captivity as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal. James asks how this conflict has changed listener’s perception of the region’s geo-political landscape.On the day of Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration, why have liberals and much of the media gone soft on Trump and the shocking behaviours that would normally prevent re-election.And James hears directly from Liverpool Crown Court as LBC’s reporter Liam Gotting shares the details of today's breaking news that Axel Rudakubana has pleaded guilty to murdering three young girls in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in Southport last year.This episode was recorded on the 20th January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

A teenager has been found guilty of the murder of schoolgirl Elianne Andam, who was stabbed to death in South London in 2023. Her killer admitted manslaughter, claiming he was not in control of his actions because of his autism, which the jury rejected. James asks whether autism should ever be used as a reasonable defence in court?An international study has found that children of a particular gender are more likely to receive preferential treatment from their parents. This prompted James to pose three questions: how does one knows if they’re a favourite, how parents pick their favourite, and how it feels if the favourite isn't you.Plus, James digests the conclusions of a new report into UK accent based stereotypes, with the help from his listeners.This episode was recorded on the 17th of January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC. 

Israel and Hamas have agreed a ceasefire in Gaza with a hostage release deal following the past 15 months of war. With headlines stating that Palestinians will be able to “return to their homes”, James asks his listeners what they may be returning back to?And in her first major speech of 2025, Kemi Badenoch criticised her predecessors for mishandling Brexit, stating that the Conservative Party had offered policy without a plan. James asks his listeners what difference Brexit has actually made to their lives.Plus its the welcome return of Mystery Hour.This episode was recorded on the 16th of January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC. 

The founder and former boss of BrewDog, James Watt has said that Britain is one of the “least work-oriented countries in the world” and that the country’s obsession with a work-life balance is one invented by those unhappy with their own careers. James O'Brien asks his listeners whether this is true of their employees, and if so, why?With a new study finding the ‘Cost of dying’ in the UK has hit record levels, with the average funeral cost at £9,797, James asks his listeners to share their opinions on a rather sensitive topic - haggling with a funeral director. Plus It's Prime Minister Questions where LBC Political Editor Natasha Clark helps James digest all the happenings.This episode was recorded on the 15th of January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC. 

Donald Trump would have been convicted of crimes over his failed attempt to cling to power in 2020, if not for his victory in last year’s US presidential election, according to the special counsel who investigated him. James speaks to a professor of American Politics and his LBC listeners to try and work out why so many people simply don’t care about political conduct that used to be unforgivable.He also tackles the recent polling that has found that one in five Britons aged 18-45 would prefer to be governed by unelected leaders, instead of democratically elected ones. Why do so many young people in particular feel this way?This episode was recorded on the 14th of January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC. 

With the government readying to set out plans on how it can use artificial intelligence across the UK to boost growth and streamline public services, James calls on his most AI-qualified listeners to tell us exactly how this can change our lives, and whether we should fear its rise.He also speaks to NHS patients and professionals about the troubling normality of “corridor care” following the advertisement from a North London Hospital for a 'Corridor Nurse'.This episode was recorded on the 13th of January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.