Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins

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?

If you don’t support Labour: who should be the next Prime Minister? With reports of a looming Starmer–Streeting showdown, Labour infighting escalating, and fresh speculation over Keir Starmer’s future, Westminster is gripped by resignation rumours and succession plotting.Author and journalist Alexander Larman and Telegraph commentator Annabel Denham react to claims that Buckingham Palace has entered “crisis talks” with Downing Street over the King’s Speech, amid growing fears about political instability at the top of government.Labour historian Colm Murphy and Independent Political Editor David Maddox discuss whether Labour MPs are preparing for a post-Starmer future and if Wes Streeting is positioning himself as the next leader.Plus, economist Liam Halligan breaks down the latest blow to Britain’s public finances, as rising borrowing costs, pressure on gilts and market fears pile more pressure on the government’s economic credibility.Starmer resignation watch, King’s Speech crisis talks, Labour civil war, Wes Streeting leadership rumours, UK borrowing crisis, who should lead Britain now?

Is Keir Starmer’s premiership entering its final days? With reports of Cabinet unrest, leadership manoeuvring and almost 80 Labour MPs allegedly urging him to quit, the pressure on Keir Starmer has reached boiling point.Former No.10 adviser Oscar Reddrop reacts to the growing Labour civil war, the battle over Starmer’s future, and what’s happening behind closed doors in Downing Street.Meanwhile, Angela Rayner is reportedly pushing for Andy Burnham to return to Westminster fuelling speculation over possible successors and deepening tensions inside the party.Tatton Spiller breaks down the political chaos and asks whether Labour is now tearing itself apart in public.Plus, businessman and Conservative peer Mark Marland joins to discuss the wider implications for business confidence, investment and Britain’s political stability as Westminster descends into crisis.From Starmer resignation rumours and Labour infighting to Rayner, Burnham and leadership plotting, we ask: is this the beginning of the end for Keir Starmer?

Is Keir Starmer fighting for Britain’s future, or fighting for his own survival? With reports of leadership plots, Cabinet unrest and growing Labour rebellion, pressure is mounting on Keir Starmer after his dramatic speech declaring he “won’t walk away from the battle for Britain’s soul”.Isabel Oakeshott reacts to the escalating Starmer leadership crisis, as claims emerge of moves inside Labour to force him out.Former Cabinet minister John Redwood discusses the growing split inside Labour, reports of a possible Rayner–Burnham alliance, and whether Starmer can politically survive.Meanwhile, Cambridge professor Catherine Barnard examines the Conservatives’ latest pitch on leaving the ECHR, North Sea drilling and sovereignty, as the political battle over immigration, energy and Britain’s future direction intensifies.From Labour civil war and Starmer under pressure to ECHR withdrawal, drilling in the North Sea and Britain’s political identity, we ask: is Westminster heading towards total political upheaval?

Are the local elections the beginning of the end for Keir Starmer? With Labour under pressure, Reform surging, and voters turning against the political establishment, tonight we break down what the results mean for the future of Britain.Former Conservative MP Michael Fabricant reacts to the local election fallout, Tory collapse and the battle on the Right, while Dan Hodges assesses whether this is now a full-blown crisis for Keir Starmer and Labour.Plus, David Bull, Chairman of Reform UK, joins to discuss Reform’s momentum, Nigel Farage’s strategy, and whether Britain is witnessing a major political realignment.From local election shocks and Labour losses to Reform UK gains, Tory infighting and Starmer under pressure, we ask: is British politics entering a new era?

Should voting be compulsory in Britain, and would it fix a broken political system? Giles Dilnot makes the case against forcing people to the ballot box, as turnout, trust and engagement in UK politics come under scrutiny.Meanwhile, speculation grows over a potential leadership challenge to Keir Starmer, with claims of a “Trojan Horse” plan to bring Andy Burnham back to Westminster. John Power reacts and argues that Starmer’s replacement could be even worse.Plus, ahead of VE Day, historian James Holland discusses new figures showing two-thirds of Gen Z don’t know what VE Day marks, raising questions about education, national identity and historical awareness.From compulsory voting and political reform to Labour infighting and historical literacy, we ask: is Britain losing both civic engagement and its sense of history?

Is Britain’s welfare system spiralling while borders remain out of control? New figures suggest one million children could soon be claiming disability benefits, raising urgent questions about welfare dependency, public spending and long-term sustainability.Andrew Allison and Callum McGoldrick debate the benefits surge, economic impact and whether the system is being stretched too far.At the same time, the small boats crisis continues to escalate with arrivals projected to hit 200,000, while deportations lag far behind. Border expert Henry Bolton assesses immigration control, enforcement failures and what needs to change.And as Keir Starmer pushes for closer ties with the EU including potential £1bn-a-year commitments and defence cooperation Annunziata Rees-Mogg reacts to the growing backlash over Brexit, sovereignty and Britain’s financial obligations to Brussels.From welfare crisis and disability benefits to migration, small boats and EU relations, we ask: is Britain losing control of its borders, spending and direction?

Mark Dolan sits in for Ian Collins this bank holiday Monday. He is joined by Liam Deacon and Dr Mike Galsworthy to discuss Keir Starmer telling European leaders that the UK’s “national interest” lies in deeper EU ties - even as the bloc demands £1 billion a year for greater access to the single market.Then political power couple Neil and Christine Hamilton break down the shocking new figures showing welfare now pays more than work for 600,000 UK households. 

Britain on high alert: the terror threat level has been raised to “severe” following the Golders Green attack, with warnings the risk of further attacks is high and the public urged to stay vigilant.Former Head of Counter-Terrorism at the MoD Chip Chapman joins alongside social cohesion expert Fiyaz Mughal and extremism specialist Paul Stott to assess the security response, terror threat, and risks facing the UK.With police now considering a ban on pro-Palestine marches, Claire Fox reacts to the growing row over public safety, protest rights and free speech.From the Golders Green terror attack and rising threat level to extremism, policing powers and civil liberties, we ask: how serious is the threat and how far should Britain go to respond?