The government is coming under pressure to cap rail fares for another year as July inflation data signalled potential further misery ahead for commuters.Evening Standard deputy political editor Jitendra Joshi reports this would land some commuters with a 4.6 per cent hike to their travel bills.We also examine the latest on government plans for rail nationalisation - and why won’t this necessarily mean any cheaper fares for passengers already paying through the nose.Plus, in part two, it’s Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour London reprise as the economy-influencing megastar returns to Wembley stadium.Swift’s back for five nights at Wembley after her triple concerts in June and cancelled Vienna gigs after a foiled terror plot.If you can’t get a ticket, there’s a host of TayTay-themed events around the capital.We’ve got the highlights with El Hunt, commissioning editor and writer on the Evening Standard’s culture desk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emergency services report almost 40 police officers were injured as riots hit Southport after three girls were killed in a devastating knife attack.Violence on Tuesday flared as crowds gathered in the north-west seaside town for a vigil honouring Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, who were all fatally stabbed at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club on Monday.Tensions were already running high in the wake of the tragedy, which escalated into violence.A police van was torched and a mosque attacked by a far-right mob after false rumours circulated on social media about the identity of the 17-year-old male suspect arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder at the dance studio.In this episode of the Standard podcast, with our home affairs editor Martin Bentham, we examine how social media disinformation is fanning the flames of extremism.Plus, why the British legal process won’t give you a suspect’s name or crime scene evidence immediately. In part two, reporter Robert Dex with Paris Olympics 2024 analysis as Great Britain leap to fourth in the medal table with two more golds, in the men’s triathlon and women’s quadruple sculls. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Protest tents are popping up at London universities following student encampments in the US, set up in opposition to Israel over its war against Hamas in Gaza.But there are concerns the flashpoint violence we’ve seen at august academic institutions including UCLA and Columbia, could spread to Britain.It comes as Education Secretary Gillian Keegan joins the prime minister in urging vice-chancellors to “crack down” on anti-Semitic abuse on campuses and create “a safe environment for all students”.The Standard podcast is joined by Sharon Booth, founder of Solutions Not Sides, a London charity aiming to bridge the chasm through dialogue, listening, understanding and critical thinking - including young inviting Israeli and Palestinian speakers to speak with 14 to 18 year olds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this preview of our Brave New World series, Evgeny talks to psychologist and researcher Bill Richards, whose book Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences is considered a seminal work in the field and is now in its 10th edition. To hear the whole interview, and listen to previous editions, search 'Brave New World Evening Standard' in your podcast provider. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this preview edition of our Brave New World series, Evgeny meets Wim Hof to learn more about the Dutch athlete’s ‘Method’; a combination of breathing and cold-water immersion that he claims can have health and psychological benefits. Rita Ora also joins the show and talks about her own experience using Wim’s techniques as part of her wellness routines.To hear the whole show, and listen to previous episodes, search 'Brave New World Evening Standard' in your podcast provider. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this preview of our Brave New World series, Evgeny Lebedev talks to Jonathan Haidt. Together they look at the impact of tech and social media on the child and adolescent brain. Jonathan's new book, 'The Anxious Generation' is available now. To hear the whole interview, search 'Brave New World Evening Standard' on your podcast provider. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is biohacking and are you already doing it without realising? Evgeny spends a day with the ‘world’s fittest man’, Ben Greenfield, to learn how exercise, diet and light contribute to wellness. To hear the whole episode search 'Brave New World Evening Standard' in your podcast provider. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Evgeny meets ‘anti-ageing poster boy’ Bryan Johnson, the entrepreneur whose ‘Project Blueprint’ aims to extend the human lifespan. He also talks to the 46-year-old’s doctor Oliver Zolman, who details how they’re approaching a controversial area of emerging science. To hear the whole episode search 'Brave New World Evening Standard' in your podcast provider. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this preview edition of our Brave New World, series Evgeny Lebedev describes his experience at a psychedelic retreat in Costa Rica where he encountered Ayahuasca, a plant-based brew used by indigenous healers. Psychedelics researcher Professor David Nutt also returns to the show to explain what’s happening to the mind when DMT is used and how some believe it can help with recovery from trauma. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could psychedelics be used to help tackle mental health issues like depression and addiction? In this preview episode of Brave New World, Evgeny Lebedev speaks to Professor David Nutt, one the leading researchers in this controversial field. He also speaks to Buzzfeed journalist Lara Parker who used ketamine assisted therapy to treat clinical depression. To hear the whole interview, including additional interviews with pioneers Robin Carhart-Harris and Amanda Feilding, search 'Brave New World Evening Standard' on your podcast provider. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anti-FGM campaigner Nimco Ali sits down with the Evening Standard's Alexandra Jones to talk about her eleven year battle to end the practice worldwide. To mark the UN International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, they talk about:Why ending FGM by 2030 is a ‘tangible reality’How 70 million girls born between now and 2030 are at risk of the practiceHow her family reacted when she began her activism in the Evening Standard 11 years agoHow at seven year’s old she “shocked” her teachers by telling them she was a survivor of FGMThe death threats and "emotional punch in the gut" she received through her campaigning.What it meant to go from being ignored as a child to being an adult with the Prime Minister’s backing.The positive steps the world can take to finally end FGMRead more from Nimco Ali in the Evening Standard newspaper, or standard.co.uk Hit your follow button so you never miss an episode of the Standard podcast, and please leave us a rating and review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it possible to live forever – and would you even want to? Evgeny Lebedev is joined by David Walliams to explore the science and ethics of age reversal. He also meets longevity pioneer Dr David Sinclair, who gives advice on how to extend lifespans - and tells David Walliams how to reverse his biological clock. This is a preview of our Brave New World series. To hear the whole episode search 'Brave New World Evening Standard' on your podcast provider. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previewing our Brave New World series, in which Evgeny Lebedev delves deep into the ideas of thought leaders, scientists, and intellectuals who are shaping the future and transforming our culture. Tune in each week for captivating interviews with some of the brightest minds of our time, and explore the realms of longevity, neuroscience, biohacking and psychedelics like never before. For the full version of this interview, go to the Brave New World channel or search 'Brave New World Evening Standard' on your podcast provider.Our first episode features Dr Gabor Maté, a renowned physician and best-selling author recognised for his ground-breaking work in the fields of addiction and mental health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a special edition of the Standard, in support of the Evening Standard and Comic Relief’s Winter Survival Campaign.The cost of living crisis has become so entrenched that for many, Christmas is effectively cancelled.According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the number of UK families categorised as destitute has more than doubled in the last five years.In the Rowntree study, 3.8 million people - including 1 million children - are at severe risk of being inadequately fed, clothed, cleaned or kept warm.There is increasing alarm at the impact this severe hardship is having on children as the cost of living crisis enters a second winter.That is why the Evening Standard has today combined forces with Comic Relief to launch our Winter Survival Appeal Christmas campaign, with Comic Relief pledging £500,000 to get us underway.The money will be given to charities in London and across the UK that help people struggling with food insecurity as well as children’s health and well-being.To make a donation, visit comicrelief.com/wintersurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

King Charles III delivers first King’s Speech. Smoking, criminal sentencing and tackling consumer rip-offs. Rishi Sunak’s last-minute edit. King Charles’s body language observed. Our Politics team, Nicholas Cecil, Rachael Burford and Jitendra Joshi explain the highlights. In this episode:How will the King’s Speech be received by the public?The government's proposed leaseholds shake-upCriminal charges changingWhat happened to Suella Braverman’s proposed tent ban?Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artworks made by artificial intelligence usually need human commands to bring its often very odd creations to life - but what do computers dream up when left to their own devices?The Leader podcast sought out two of London’s experts in this emerging field, and also discovered the next phase of the technology - IRL programmed drawing droids, such as one called Baxter with a mechanical sketching arm.You’ll also learn why it takes a robot to catch online deepfakes.We’re joined by Professor Frederic Fol Leymarie from Goldsmith’s College, a veteran in the artistic use of computer vision, and Terence Broad, senior lecturer in data science and AI creative industries at University of the Arts London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gymshark started in Ben Francis’s parents' garage in the Midlands, with lessons from his gran on how to sew.Ten years on, the fitness apparel company’s a global business valued at one and a quarter billion pounds and has just opened its first IRL store on London's Regent Street.This is a cut-down version of the full episode. To listen to the full episode click here.For all the latest business news visit standard.co.uk/business Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Office for National Statistics data reveals wages plunged by 4.1 per cent in the last quarter, with pay now dropping fastest since 2001 when the latest records began. But historical analysis shows we’re actually suffering the biggest pay squeeze since Jim Callaghan was PM.The Leader’s joined by Dr Grace Lordan, labour economist at the London School of Economics and Hannah Slaughter, senior economist at the Resolution Foundation.Find us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following England women’s history-making Euros win at Wembley, there’s now a focus on how the tournament will impact the women’s game.As well as the trophy, the Lionesses saw a record crowd at Wembley for a women’s home game of more than 87,000 fans, and the final also set the record for the most-watched TV broadcast of a women’s match, with the BBC revealing a peak audience of 17.4 million viewers.We speak with Yvonne Harrison, CEO of Women In Football, a professional network supporting the women’s game.She discusses the impact of the England Women’s Euro win, the barriers some women and girls still face in the industry, and what can be done to push the sport to the next level.Follow us on Twitter for more news @EveningStandard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a huge day for improving the ease of travelling through London as the first passenger section of the Elizabeth Line, AKA Crossrail, opened for business.While it wasn’t all plain railing - a fire alert sparked the evacuation of Paddington station - there were plenty of enthusiasts from London and beyond eager to try out the £20 billion purple line.By 10am, 130,000 journeys had been clocked and the Standard was there from the very early start.And what about those future fares?Hear expert analysis, the thoughts of passengers travelling on the purple line for the first time on the open stretch from Paddington to Abbey Wood, and make sure you stay tuned until the end to hear Mayor Sadiq Khan discuss the project’s handover from previous City Hall incumbent Boris Johnson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just under two weeks after the return to the UK of Iran detainees Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori, a man who was allegedly supposed to come home with them, is still in detention in Iran.Morad Tahbaz’s family said they were promised he’d fly back to the UK alongside Nazanin and Anoosheh, but his daughter Roxanne found out on the day he was due to return that he wasn’t on the flight.Now back on the campaign trail to bring him home, Roxanne tells the Evening Standard how it all happened, the latest from officials, and why he’s now on a hunger strike.Roxanne discusses:Her dad’s hunger strike (1.33)Her shock when she found out he wouldn’t return to the UK (2.21)Finding out he wasn’t on the flight through the press (3.56)Morad’s life growing up in London (5.07)How Iran decided he was an American Citizen (6.20)Richard Ratcliffe’s support (7.05)Plea to the government to bring him back home (8.44)For the latest news follow us on Twitter @EveningStandard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Met Police is issuing 20 fines to individuals who broke lockdown rules at Downing Street parties in 2020.As part of its investigation into twelve events held across government, the Met has said it will not reveal who the fines have been issued to, or which specific alleged event they relate to.Downing Street has pledged to reveal if the prime minister is among those fined, but said it wouldn’t release the identity of junior staff.The Evening Standard’s Home Affairs Editor Martin Bentham discusses:What the fines mean for Partygate (1.32)Why Boris Johnson might not be fined yet (3.14)What might happen if the PM is among those fined (4.36)How Conservative MPs might react if the prime minister is fined (6.15)For the latest news follow us on Twitter @EveningStandard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amputee former servicemen and women are deploying their military experiences to help young people become more resilient to the challenges of modern life.The Making Generation R project is a collaboration between veterans organisations Blesma and The Drive Project.Hear how the squad’s experiences and coping strategies shared at innovative workshops are inspiring schoolchildren to better navigate the stresses of the 21st Century.We speak with south Londoner Dan Richards, now a project manager and competitive cyclist, after recent session held at Sadler’s Wells theatre in Clerkenwell.Dan was formerly a trumpeter with King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery who needed his right arm and shoulder amputated after a horrific motorbike crash.He describes his mental health battle as he struggled to get a job after making over 300 applications following his medical discharge from the army.The Leader also speaks with Jon Bryant, Blesma chief executive and former Army Air Corps colonel, who tells us about the battlefield injuries being suffered in Ukraine.More than a dozen ex-servicemen and women are involved in the project.You can donate to the Standard’s Ukraine Appeal here: gofundme.com/eveningstandardukraineappeal.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To mark its 35th anniversary, the Evening Standard’s ES magazine has undergone a rebrand, starting with a special issue celebrating the milestone.The new-look publication, which originally launched in 1987 as a monthly magazine, has promised to bring ‘an added dimension of living to our great city’.Ben Cobb is the new editor behind the rebrand, and says he wants it to be witty, confident and opinionated.He discusses what has changed for ES Magazine in 2022, what’s to come, and why he loves London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan has spoken with the Leader about his proposal to replace the congestion charge and ultra-low emission zones in the city with a pay-per-mile system instead.He told us some form of smart road user charging system is 'inevitable' as London aims to cut pollution and congestion.Other proposals include an extension of the ULEZ to cover the whole of London, and charging drivers of vehicles registered outside London for entering the capital.In this interview, Sadiq explains why he’s looking at these options, how it can be affordable, and why he’s planning such extensive action to tackle air pollution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The World Health Organisation's Dr David Nabarro's told the Evening Standard London is "at a critical time" in its battle against coronavirus. He's spoken to our deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil, who says the warning comes as infection rates rise in two thirds of the city's boroughs. Meanwhile, the government appears to be considering strict lockdown procedures if there's another spike, including closing off the Capital inside the M25. Nicholas tells us doctors still hope it won't come to that, but they're worried about people getting complacent with social distancing. Also, Rishi Sunak's Eat Out to Help Out is launching in restaurants across the UK. But will the discounts of up to 50% be enough to save an industry that's been almost crushed by the pandemic? We speak to Ed Sandeman, from the Made of Dough Pizzerias, who tells us how they're readying to relaunch their two sites, and says he's nervous that despite bookings no-one will turn up.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government's announced that gyms and swimming pools will reopen within weeks, but office blocks around the country remain empty as the coronavirus lockdown limps on. It follows the Chancellor unveiling a discount meal scheme, and help for homebuyers. Our associate editor Julian Glover asks if ministers are doing what's popular instead of making the hard decisions that will restart an economy lumbering towards recession. Also, Labour's Jess Phillips speaks to the Leader podcast about a gap in the new Domestic Abuse Bill. It's being hailed as "landmark legislation" after passing the Commons earlier this week, but Ms Phillips says it doesn't cover migrant victims who are being denied public money and shelter support. She tells us why that's putting people's lives at risk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MPs were so excited to hear Boris Johnson say pubs will re-open, they shouted "Hallelujah" in the Commons. Museums and art galleries have the green light too. But after more than three months in lockdown, how many will be ready to welcome people by July 4th, and how many people will actually go? The Evening Standard's Lizzie Edmonds says many of London's top tourist attractions are worried the pandemic's effects will last even longer than lockdown itself. Also, it can't be said for certain that coronavirus came from a wet market in Wuhan but most scientists have it at the very top of a short list of suspects. The trade is supplied by a huge international operation, much of it run by organised crime, making large amounts of money from cruelty to animals. The Evening Standard's begun a campaign to end the illegal wildlife trade, and teamed up with conservation group Space for Giants. Their CEO Dr Max Graham tells us how the supply chain works, and the global effort that will be needed to stop it.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Evening Standard is with you through this coronavirus crisis. That's why we're re-focusing our daily podcast to bring you the best news, analysis and advice on the latest developments - to help you make sense of this fast-changing situation.Every weekday at 4pm, 'The Leader: Coronavirus Daily’ is packed with the latest information from trusted sources on Covid-19, as well commentary and insight from the Evening Standard's journalists and editors. Join us by subscribing through Acast, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.