Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins

Should Andy Burnham face a leadership challenge? Just hours after Keir Starmer’s resignation, Labour is already facing a fierce battle over who should take control of the party, with some MPs reportedly moving to stop what they fear could become a Burnham coronation.Matthew Syed, columnist for The Times and The Sunday Times, joins us live as Westminster reacts to Burnham’s dramatic arrival in Parliament amid scenes of celebration from supporters and growing unease among critics. Does Burnham have a mandate to lead, or should Labour members and MPs have a genuine contest?Mike Galsworthy, Chair of the European Movement UK, discusses reports that Brussels is rethinking its approach to post-Brexit negotiations following Starmer’s departure, and what a Burnham leadership could mean for Britain’s future relationship with the European Union. Ten years after Brexit, has the country benefited or paid the price?Lord Matthew Elliott, former Vote Leave chief executive and author of Ten Years On: The Untold Story of Brexit, reflects on the legacy of the referendum and whether Britain has delivered on the promises of Brexit.Later, Lord Toby Young examines the growing backlash against Burnham’s rise, as well as concerns over Labour’s proposed changes to jury trials and what they could mean for free speech, civil liberties and the justice system.Andy Burnham, Labour leadership battle, Starmer resignation, Brexit at 10, EU relations, free speech and jury trials. Is Burnham the leader Labour wants, or simply the leader Labour expects? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can any party stop the small boats crisis? With more than 700 migrants crossing the Channel in a single day, the highest daily total of the year so far, pressure is mounting on the Government as critics argue that every major party has failed to get a grip on illegal migration.Isabel Oakeshott, Talk International Editor, reacts to the latest Channel crossing figures and asks whether Labour, the Conservatives or Reform have a credible plan to stop the boats and restore control of Britain’s borders.Business Affairs Editor at The Sun James Flanders discusses controversial new figures showing a surge in Personal Independence Payment claims, including for anxiety-related conditions, with growing debate over welfare spending, economic inactivity and whether the benefits system is fit for purpose.Former Old Bailey judge Wendy Joseph KC joins us to examine plans to overhaul murder laws by introducing first and second-degree murder charges. Would the changes deliver fairer justice for victims and defendants, or risk creating greater complexity in the courts?Small boats crisis, Channel crossings, immigration, welfare spending, PIP claims, economic inactivity, murder law reform and criminal justice. Can Britain’s political class solve the problems voters care most about? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should under-16s be banned from social media? With Keir Starmer unveiling plans for sweeping new restrictions on children’s access to social media, Britain is facing a major debate over online safety, parental responsibility, free speech and the role of Big Tech.Harrison Allman-Varty, Leader of Reform UK on Elmbridge Borough Council, reacts to the proposed ban and asks whether the Government is right to intervene or whether parents, not politicians, should be making these decisions.In a head-to-head debate, Ben Kingsley from SafeScreens argues the restrictions are needed to protect children from harmful content, addiction and online exploitation, while Jack Coulson warns the plans could set a dangerous precedent for privacy, freedom and state control of the internet.Meanwhile, Middle East correspondent Patrick Cockburn joins us after the United States and Iran announced a deal to end military operations, with Donald Trump declaring “let the oil flow”. We’ll discuss whether the ceasefire will hold, what it means for global stability and why oil prices have fallen sharply in response.Social media ban, under-16s, online safety, free speech, Big Tech, Trump, Iran ceasefire, Middle East conflict and oil prices. Should the Government decide what children can see online? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Andy Burnham preparing to replace Keir Starmer and could Reform destroy Labour’s plans? With Wes Streeting now backing Andy Burnham’s return to Westminster, speculation is growing that Labour is preparing for life after Keir Starmer.Former Labour adviser Henri Murison and HuffPost UK Political Editor Kevin Schofield discuss the escalating leadership tensions, the Burnham succession rumours, and whether Labour is heading towards a full-scale meltdown.Meanwhile, Reform leader of Elmbridge Council Harrison Allman-Varty reacts after Nigel Farage vowed to “throw everything” at a potential Burnham by-election amid polling suggesting Reform could seize the seat and trigger political chaos for Labour.Plus, Spectator Economics Editor Michael Simmons examines growing concerns over the economy, bond markets and welfare spending, as questions mount over whether Burnham’s politics would spook investors and deepen Britain’s financial problems.Andy Burnham leadership rumours, Starmer crisis, Reform UK surge, welfare overpayments, bond market fears, is Labour losing control of both its party and the country? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.