Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins

When did politics get so toxic? The investigation into the killing of Ann Widdecombe has taken another dramatic turn after counter-terrorism police confirmed they are treating it as politically motivated. The decision has intensified concerns about the safety of politicians and the increasingly hostile climate surrounding public life in Britain.Political commentator Charlie Rowley discusses whether political debate has become dangerously polarised, why attacks on public figures appear to be increasing, and what this means for democracy.Security expert Will Geddes examines the threat facing MPs and other high-profile figures, asking whether existing protection measures are still adequate in the wake of the latest developments.Isabel Oakeshott, Talk International Editor, reacts to reports that detectives now believe the attack was politically motivated, following claims the suspect possessed communist literature and after police faced criticism for initially saying there was no indication of a political motive. What do the latest revelations tell us about the investigation, and were the police too quick to rule out terrorism?Finally, Dr Paul Stott, Head of Security and Extremism at Policy Exchange, assesses what the case reveals about political extremism in Britain, how ideologically motivated violence is evolving, and whether the country is doing enough to identify and prevent radicalisation before it turns deadly.Ann Widdecombe, political violence, terrorism, counter-terrorism policing, extremism, public figures, political security and radicalisation. Has Britain’s political culture become dangerously toxic?

Mark Dolan sits in for Ian today as Ann Widdecombe dies aged 78. Britain is paying tribute to the former Conservative minister, broadcaster and one of the country’s best-known political figures after her sudden death. Police have launched an investigation after her death was initially treated as suspicious, as tributes pour in from across the political spectrum.Brendan O’Neill, Chief Political Writer at Spiked, reflects on Ann Widdecombe’s political legacy, from her years as Shadow Home Secretary to her outspoken views on crime, immigration and national identity. He also discusses the latest developments surrounding Nigel Farage, as questions continue over Reform UK donations, alongside violent disorder in central London after clashes involving Morocco football fans left a police officer in hospital.Former Ann Widdecombe aide Adam Newton shares personal memories of working alongside one of Britain’s most distinctive politicians, looking back at her years in frontline politics under William Hague, her media career and the impact she had on modern Conservatism.Finally, Gavin Mortimer, author and Spectator writer, examines the violence that erupted in London following Morocco’s football celebrations and asks whether Britain is facing a new challenge from organised football-related disorder linked to international fixtures.Ann Widdecombe dies, suspicious death investigation, former Conservative minister, Shadow Home Secretary, Nigel Farage, Reform donations, Morocco fans, London disorder, police officer injured and public order. Remembering one of Britain’s most recognisable political voices while examining the day’s biggest headlines.

Has your trust in politics completely broken down? With Nigel Farage’s resignation triggering a controversial Clacton by-election, new research suggests most Britons believe the country’s social contract has collapsed. Is confidence in politics at its lowest point in decades?Former government special adviser James Price examines whether Britain’s political system is fundamentally broken, why trust in politicians continues to decline, and whether the latest Reform UK controversy is a symptom of a much deeper problem.Dan Barker, Board Member of Reform UK, responds after Labour, the Conservatives and Restore announced they will not contest the Clacton by-election, branding it a “fake” vote. Has Farage outmanoeuvred his opponents, or does the resignation deepen public cynicism about politics?Economist Liam Halligan discusses stark warnings from the Office for Budget Responsibility that Andy Burnham could need £120 billion in tax rises to avoid a fiscal crisis. Can Britain afford its current spending commitments, and what would higher taxes mean for households and businesses?Nigel Farage, Reform UK, trust in politics, Clacton by-election, Andy Burnham, £120bn tax rises, the economy and Britain’s future. Has the public lost faith in politics altogether?

Nigel Farage has resigned. What happens now? In a dramatic move, the Reform UK leader has resigned as MP for Clacton, triggering a by-election that he says will be a battle between “the people and the establishment” as he seeks a fresh mandate from voters amid ongoing scrutiny over his finances.Isabel Oakeshott, Talk International Editor, reacts to Farage’s bombshell announcement and what it means for Reform UK, the Clacton by-election and the future of British politics. Has Farage turned a political crisis into an opportunity?Michael Hadden, Reform UK leader of Suffolk County Council, gives the party’s response to Farage’s decision and explains why Reform believes voters will rally behind its leader despite the continuing controversy.Peter Cardwell, Talk presenter, assesses the political impact of Farage’s gamble. Will this strengthen Reform’s anti-establishment message, or hand ammunition to the party’s critics?Finally, Suella Braverman MP, Reform UK MP and former Home Secretary, joins us to explain why she is backing Farage’s decision and what it means for the future of Reform UK and the wider political landscape.Nigel Farage, Reform UK, Clacton by-election, political donations, Westminster, anti-establishment politics and Britain’s future. Has Farage made the political gamble of his career?

Can Reform survive the Farage scandal? Nigel Farage is facing mounting scrutiny after fresh allegations over political funding, raising questions about transparency, standards and whether the controversy could damage Reform UK’s momentum.Dan Hodges, commentator at the Mail on Sunday, reacts after Farage issued a furious response to claims surrounding undeclared support from a close ally, while Reform insists no rules were broken. With the Conservatives reportedly targeting a Clacton by-election and tighter political donation rules under discussion, will this change how voters view Farage?Former Home Secretary Lord Blunkett joins us to discuss proposals to tighten the rules on political donations, including plans that could cap large donations from overseas-linked individuals. Does Britain’s political finance system need reform?Finally, former Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Inspector Chris Phillips examines a major new report urging police to stop engaging in “woke” culture wars and refocus on tackling crime. Has policing lost sight of its core purpose, and what reforms are needed to restore public confidence?Nigel Farage, Reform UK, political funding, political donations, policing, woke culture and public trust. Will the Farage scandal change your vote?

Are white working-class kids being left behind? New claims that white working-class students are being excluded from some Oxbridge diversity schemes have reignited the debate over equality, opportunity and who is being left behind in modern Britain.Lord Tony Sewell, former Chair of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, discusses reports that white working-class pupils are missing out on university outreach programmes despite remaining one of the lowest-performing groups educationally. Has the drive for diversity created new inequalities, and does Britain need to rethink how opportunity is targeted?Author and Spectator writer Joanna Williams reacts to the latest row surrounding Andy Burnham, after he dismissed claims he could become Labour’s “first female Prime Minister” amid pressure to appoint more women to senior government roles. Has identity politics gone too far, or is Labour right to focus on representation?Political writer Brendan O’Neill examines why Labour has seen only a limited polling boost following Keir Starmer’s resignation, despite Burnham’s arrival in Downing Street. Is the public still unconvinced that Labour offers the change Britain wants?Finally, Maria Bowtell, Head of Local Government at Restore Britain, discusses growing calls for Shabana Mahmood to close legal loopholes that campaigners say are preventing the deportation of a convicted grooming gang leader. Should the Government strengthen deportation powers for foreign offenders?Education, social mobility, identity politics, Andy Burnham, Labour, grooming gangs, deportation and equality. Are white working-class children becoming Britain’s forgotten generation?

How would you solve the immigration crisis? With the cost of the asylum system under growing scrutiny and fresh questions over border security, immigration is once again dominating the political agenda.Charlie Rowley reacts to reports that migrants using the ECHR to remain in Britain could cost taxpayers £4.9 billion, as ministers unveil plans to make asylum seekers repay the cost of hotel accommodation if they are later granted the right to work. We also discuss local anger after dozens of asylum seekers were moved into newly built homes originally intended for social housing.Orla Minihane, spokeswoman for Restore Britain, gives her solution to the immigration crisis and asks whether Britain’s asylum system has become unsustainable. Should the UK leave the ECHR, reform asylum laws or take an entirely different approach?Meanwhile, political commentator and former Independent Mayor of Middlesbrough Andy Preston discusses Andy Burnham’s vision for government after the Prime Minister pledged to “rewire” Britain. We examine Burnham’s plans to continue basing himself in Greater Manchester rather than living full-time in Downing Street, and whether governing from outside Westminster represents a fresh approach or sends the wrong message.Immigration, asylum, the ECHR, border security, asylum hotels, Andy Burnham, constitutional reform and the future of Britain. If you were Prime Minister, how would you solve the immigration crisis?

Would you give Andy Burnham 10 years? The Prime Minister says he needs a decade to transform Britain, but critics warn his plans could mean higher taxes, bigger government and little immediate relief for struggling families.Linda Duberley reacts after Burnham unveiled his 10-year vision for Britain, amid claims that middle-class taxpayers could be hit with fresh tax rises to fund Labour’s long-term agenda. Can Burnham deliver the change he promises, or is he asking voters for too much time?Political scientist Dr Andy Mycock and politics professor Anthony Glees assess whether Burnham has the political capital to reshape Britain, and whether the public will back a Prime Minister asking to be judged over a decade rather than a single Parliament.Meanwhile, Lucy Moreton, Professional Officer for the Immigration Services Union, discusses sweeping new plans to overhaul the asylum system after Shabana Mahmood proposed using members of the public to help decide asylum appeals. We also examine fresh figures showing a record 20,000 foreign criminals have avoided deportation, reports that thousands of deported migrants have returned to Britain, and claims that Labour has quietly dropped restrictions on illegal migrants gaining British citizenship. Has Britain lost control of its immigration system?Andy Burnham, 10-year plan, tax rises, asylum appeals, foreign criminals, deportations, illegal migration, British citizenship and border security. Would you give Burnham 10 years to change Britain?