Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins

What can Keir Starmer contribute to the Iran ceasefire? After Donald Trump announces a two-week ceasefire between Iran and its adversaries and claims the Strait of Hormuz will reopen attention turns to Britain’s role in securing long-term peace in the Middle East. With Keir Starmer set to visit the region, we ask whether the UK can still act as a serious diplomatic player.Isabel Oakeshott and Peter Oborne debate the politics behind the ceasefire, Trump’s strategy, and whether Britain has any real leverage in negotiations. Former Biden Chief of Staff Susan Platt offers a US perspective on the deal, the chances of lasting peace, and the risks of escalation.We also examine the economic fallout, with oil prices falling sharply following the ceasefire announcement but warnings that Britain remains dangerously exposed to global energy shocks. Economist Julian Jessop discusses UK energy security, the impact on markets, and controversy surrounding Rachel Reeves and North Sea investment.From Iran ceasefire diplomacy and UK foreign policy to oil prices, energy security and global markets, we break down what happens next, and whether Britain still has a role on the world stage.

Can Donald Trump bring peace to the Middle East or risk a wider war? As tensions with Iran escalate, Donald Trump has issued stark warnings, claiming he could “wipe out” Iran if it refuses a deal. We ask whether Trump’s approach is deterrence or dangerous escalation, and what it means for global stability, Israel, and the wider region.Former US Navy intelligence officer Malcolm Nance and Greg Swenson debate Trump’s strategy, US foreign policy, and whether a deal with Iran is realistically achievable.We also examine the growing political and cultural fallout in the UK after controversy surrounding Kanye West, with calls to block him from entering Britain following inflammatory remarks. Alex Hearn from Labour Against Antisemitism discusses antisemitism, free speech and the wider implications.And Matthew Elliott reacts to a series of benefits system controversies, including major overpayments and rising welfare costs, as questions grow over fairness, public spending and the burden on working families.

Mark Dolan sits in for Ian Collins on the Afternoon Empire. He's joined by Mike Neville, former Met Police DCI, to discuss crime in Britain - as Waitrose has sacked an employee who stopped a shoplifter from stealing Easter eggs. Hilary Fordwich, US political commentator, shares her analysis of the rescue mission of a crew member after a US F-15 fighter jet was shot down over Iran, and reacts to Donald Trump’s profanity-laced demand that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

How do we make Britain great again? With the economy under pressure, energy costs rising and questions over leadership growing, we ask what it will take to restore growth, confidence and national strength.Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith joins alongside The Spectator’s Michael Simmons and businessman Lance Forman to debate how Britain can boost productivity, cut costs and regain economic momentum, from tax and regulation to energy independence and industrial strategy.We also hear from European Movement UK’s Joe Meagan, offering a different perspective on whether closer ties with Europe could help solve Britain’s economic challenges.With fresh measures aimed at easing the cost-of-living crisis, a new speech from Keir Starmer, and criticism from Donald Trump over Britain’s energy strategy, we break down the big question: what’s the plan to make Britain great again?

Who are the “far right” and who gets to define it? After thousands gathered in London for an anti-far-right march, we examine how the term is being used in modern Britain, and whether it’s becoming a political label rather than a clear definition.Former Number 10 adviser Oscar Reddrop joins to break down how governments and the media classify extremism, while Montgomery Toms from Freedom Watch GB gives a first-hand account from the March Against the Far Right, and challenges the narrative around who was really there and what it represents.Plus, we bring in a left-wing caller to test the arguments live, as we debate free speech, protest politics, and the growing divide over extremism in the UK.

Mark Dolan sits in for Ian Collins. Fuel prices, inflation and political controversy is Britain heading for another economic squeeze? As the Iran war drives up global energy costs, critics accuse Rachel Reeves of acting as a “petrol profiteer”, with warnings the UK could be hit harder than any other major economy. Maurice Cousins from Net Zero Watch, Sir Michael Fabricant, and Annunziata Rees-Mogg debate the impact of Net Zero, fuel duty and soaring inflation on British households.We also examine the latest Westminster developments, including reports Keir Starmer could award a peerage to Sadiq Khan, alongside fresh questions over government transparency following the Peter Mandelson files and disputes surrounding internal communications.And we discuss a shocking criminal case involving an Afghan asylum seeker, raising further questions about immigration policy, border control and public safety as pressure grows on the government to toughen its approach.

Is this government the enemy of working people? As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, anger is growing over plans that could see middle-income households footing the bill for targeted energy support. With Rachel Reeves’ proposed energy bailout focused on those claiming benefits, critics warn of a widening divide between working families and state support. Former Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans joins to discuss whether Labour’s economic approach is punishing the very people it claims to represent.We also examine the growing economic fallout from the Iran war, with warnings that food prices could surge by over 8% if disruption continues, adding further pressure to household budgets already stretched by energy costs and inflation.Author Joanna Williams discusses the broader cultural and political direction of the country, including new council-led initiatives aimed at improving safety for women and girls and what they say about priorities in modern Britain.And former Army colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon assesses the latest developments in the Middle East, as Donald Trump pushes for a potential ceasefire with Iran, raising questions about global stability, British security, and whether the UK is prepared for further escalation.

Is Britain safe? Fears over national security are growing following reports of a potential Iranian sleeper cell operating in the UK, raising urgent questions about extremism, intelligence failures and the country’s ability to respond to emerging threats. Barak Seener from the Henry Jackson Society assesses the risk of sleeper cells, hostile state activity and what it means for Britain’s internal security.Investigative journalist David Shipley joins to discuss the latest on the small boats crisis, as the UK’s migrant deal with France is delayed amid demands for tougher terms and how migration policy intersects with wider national security concerns.We also examine the escalating energy crisis, with warnings Britain is becoming increasingly reliant on foreign gas following North Sea shutdowns. Energy analyst Kathryn Porter reacts to the political battle over Net Zero, as Ed Miliband faces accusations of “fanaticism” and pressure grows to ramp up domestic oil and gas production.And with Donald Trump weighing in on the Iran conflict and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, we ask what it all means for UK security, energy prices and global stability.