James O'Brien Daily

Why are protests in France so different from those in Britain — and could the same anger ever explode on British streets? James examines unrest in France, exploring the country’s revolutionary tradition, its relationship with the state and why French citizens often see protest as both a right and a responsibility.Then, James looks at the stark postcode lottery facing children in England. From unsafe streets and overcrowded schools to access to education and mental-health support, callers reveal how the place a child grows up can shape their entire future.This episode was recorded on the 19th of October. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

What happens when America turns its back on Ukraine?Donald Trump’s apparent alignment with Vladimir Putin raises urgent questions about Ukraine’s future, from restrictions on Starlink and military intelligence to the possibility of Europe having to fill the gap left by a retreating America. Financial Times chief Ukraine correspondent Christopher Miller joins James to explore the impact on Ukraine’s fight for survival and the fears facing its people.Plus, an ITV investigation exposes racist comments by Reform UK candidates and councillors, raising serious questions about the party’s vetting process and Nigel Farage’s response. Where does the line between “legitimate concerns” and outright racism lie and could the public’s rejection of racist politics offer a reason for hope?This episode was recorded on the 15th of October. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Released from prison with a small discharge payment, no settled home and a long list of conditions: what could possibly go wrong? James explores why so many people return to prison so quickly, often not for a new crime but for breaching the terms of their release.Plus, Andy Burnham begins reopening the Brexit conversation. Is Britain finally ready to admit that making trade with its closest neighbours harder was a catastrophic mistake?This episode was recorded on the 13th of October. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Donald Trump’s administration is preparing to broadcast a firing-squad execution. James asks what happens when state killing becomes a public spectacle - and why the presence of a camera makes it feel still more horrifying.Plus, James examines a major new review of young people’s mental health. Its message is clear: they are not weak, overdiagnosed or “snowflakes”. They are facing pressures previous generations did not and they need support, compassion and understanding.This episode was recorded on the 9th of October. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Inheritance tax affects a small proportion of estates, so why does it provoke such a powerful reaction in almost everyone else? James asks whether it is morally wrong to tax wealth passed down through families, or whether those receiving large inheritances should see themselves as fortunate. Plus, James unpicks Kemi Badenoch’s latest speech and speaks to LBC's Washington Editor Simon Marks about mounting concerns over the integrity of the forthcoming US midterm elections.This episode was recorded on the 7th of October. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

The Green Party has voted to define Zionism as a form of racism, prompting concern from Jewish members who fear it could stigmatise people simply for attending synagogues or identifying with Israel’s right to exist. James explores the crucial distinction between condemning the Israeli Government’s actions in Gaza and defining Zionism itself as racist.Then, after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says employers are too quick to recruit from overseas, James hears from employers facing challenges finding the skilled workers they need. This episode was recorded on the 5th of October. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Brexit has “done more harm than good”, says Andy Burnham, as he opens the door to a new national conversation about Britain’s future relationship with Europe. James asks if the country is ready to confront the consequences of leaving and whether the familiar lies could win again.Then, James explores Burnham’s proposed commission on electoral reform. Would proportional representation make votes count more fairly, encourage collaboration and stop governments winning unchecked power on a minority of the vote?This episode was recorded on the 1st of October. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Could ending the state pension triple lock help fund a social care system that is free at the point of use? James examines Andy Burnham’s reported plans, asking whether pensioners could accept smaller annual increases in return for protection from devastating care costs.Then, after Martin Lewis asked fellow passengers to turn down a loud serial-killer documentary, James explores the growing problem of people playing phones at full volume in public.This episode was recorded on the 29th of September. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Not every young person thrives in a traditional classroom, but is vocational education a route to opportunity or an early label that limits ambition? Plus, more than 52,000 people are claiming benefits for back pain with no specific cause - but why are so many of them treated with suspicion rather than compassion?This episode was recorded on the 25th of September. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Why is it harder to be young today? James asks why so many young people are experiencing mental distress - from insecure work and unaffordable housing to social media, climate anxiety and a future that feels impossible to plan for.Then, James examines one of Westminster’s enduring mysteries: why aren’t the Liberal Democrats making more of an impact when British politics feels so fractured?This episode was recorded on the 23rd of September. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

What does it mean to lose someone while they are still physically there? James hears powerful accounts from families affected by dementia, as the disease is now being described by leading experts as Britain’s greatest health and social care crisis.Plus, women and equalities minister Bridget Phillipson has said that “all of us as women in society are unsafe”, prompting a conversation about women’s safety and why it must no longer be treated as normal. This episode was recorded on the 21st of September. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

The people at the heart of artificial intelligence are warning that its development could pose a threat to humanity. James asks what we should really fear - from cyberattacks to the prospect of systems we may no longer be able to control. Plus, what is the difference between good strict and bad strict? As a headteacher sparks backlash after suspending 25 pupils in the first week of school, James hears powerful stories of harsh discipline, corporal punishment and humiliation.This episode was recorded on the 17th of September. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

The UK’s political future is back in the spotlight as nationalist parties push for greater independence. What would actually happen if Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland went their separate ways and what would it mean for the rest of Britain?And, are we scrolling our brains away? Reading for pleasure can boost memory, empathy and mental health, but as TikTok and short-form content take over our attention, are we losing one of the simplest habits that keeps our minds healthy?This episode was recorded on the 15th of September. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.