Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins

Mark Dolan sits in for Ian Collins today as we ask the question- Has Keir Starmer lost control of Britain? With fresh criticism from Tony Blair, rising migrant crossings, Reform infighting and new questions surrounding Nicola Sturgeon, pressure is growing on Keir Starmer from every direction.Former Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans and Isabel Oakeshott react after Blair reportedly warned Starmer has “no plan for Britain”, fuelling claims Labour is drifting without a clear vision as political instability deepens.We also discuss the latest developments in the Sturgeon motorhome controversy, after fresh witness claims reportedly cast doubt on her previous denials and renewed questions about accountability in Scottish politics.Meanwhile, nearly 1,000 migrants crossed the Channel over the bank holiday weekend, despite government promises to get tougher on small boats, reigniting debate over border control, asylum policy and whether ministers are failing to deliver.Plus, political commentator Chloe Dobbs reacts to a growing row inside Reform UK, after Zia Yusuf and Robert Jenrick clashed over deportation plans.Starmer under pressure, Blair backlash, migrant crossings, Nicola Sturgeon questions, Reform civil war. Is Britain becoming ungovernable?

Is Nigel Farage the only politician capable of defeating the Left in Britain? With the Right facing growing division, questions are mounting over whether Nigel Farage can unite anti-Labour voters or whether infighting will hand power back to the Left.Mark Dolan sits in for Ian Collins, as Sun columnist David Wooding reacts to Farage’s warning that Elon Musk’s support for the new Restore movement risks splitting the Right in the crucial Makerfield by-election, potentially boosting Labour’s chances.Political commentator and former Reform candidate Mayuran Senthilnathan discusses claims that Restore’s more extreme rhetoric could become a political problem for Reform, and whether Farage remains the only figure capable of building a winning coalition on the Right.Plus, former minister Edwina Currie reacts to warnings that an Andy Burnham victory could trigger major upheaval in Westminster, with growing speculation over an early general election and the future of Keir Starmer.Nigel Farage, Reform UK, Right-wing split, Makerfield by-election, Elon Musk, Andy Burnham, early election speculation. Can anyone else stop the Left?

Petrie Hosken fills in for Ian Collins this scorching Bank Holiday Monday, asking: Should adult crime equal adult time? Helen Fields, former barrister, gives her thoughts on the lenient sentencing of two teenage boys who were spared jail by Judge Nicholas Rowland for the rape of two teenage girls. Also on the show, Dr Sanjiv Nachani OBE speaks with Petrie about a potential social media ban for under-16s, and Geoff Wightman gives his analysis of the Enhanced Games. 

Is Labour making the cost of living crisis even worse? As the fallout from the Iran conflict continues to hit household finances, Rachel Reeves has unveiled plans to give families “breathing room” by cutting VAT on days out and attractions, while offering no direct help on soaring energy bills.Former No.10 adviser Oscar Reddrop reacts to accusations Labour is prioritising headline-grabbing gimmicks over real economic relief, amid warnings of a new £1bn stealth tax on family holidays.Financial analyst Danni Hewson breaks down what Reeves’ plans could actually mean for families already struggling with inflation, fuel costs and rising household bills.Plus, Emma Revell from the Centre for Policy Studies discusses whether Labour’s economic approach risks making Britain less competitive, more heavily taxed and harder for working families to afford.Cost of living crisis, Rachel Reeves backlash, family holiday tax, energy bills, Iran war inflation. Is Labour helping families or hurting them?

Is social media now deciding British politics? With online campaigns dominating the headlines and parties fighting for viral moments, we examine how X, TikTok and digital activism are reshaping elections, political narratives and public opinion.Gawain Towler from Reform UK and Adam Cherry from Guido Fawkes react to the growing influence of online politics, including the latest twists in the Makerfield by-election battle, after candidate Michael Kenyon’s X account was suspended amid mounting scrutiny around the contest.Meanwhile, Isabel Oakeshott discusses the newly announced grooming gangs inquiry, after ministers confirmed the investigation “will not ignore ethnicity”, reigniting debate around policing, political correctness and institutional failures.Plus, science writer Helen Pilcher joins to discuss the extraordinary breakthrough from Colossal Biosciences, which claims to have hatched chicks from artificial eggs as part of its de-extinction research programme. Could extinct species one day walk the Earth again?Social media politics, Makerfield chaos, grooming gangs inquiry, de-extinction science, artificial eggs breakthrough. Is Britain entering a completely new political and technological age?

Is Andy Burnham now the favourite to replace Keir Starmer? New polling suggests Andy Burnham would comfortably beat Keir Starmer in a Labour leadership contest, while support for Wes Streeting among Labour members appears to have collapsed.YouGov’s Patrick English breaks down the numbers behind Burnham’s surge, what Labour voters really think about Starmer’s leadership, and why Streeting’s leadership ambitions may already be fading.Meanwhile, Times political correspondent Max Kendix reacts to claims Burnham is becoming the “King of the U-turns” after rowing back on EU rejoin comments and signalling support for Rachel Reeves’ borrowing rules.Former Foreign Office adviser Ben Judah joins to discuss the escalating Brexit row inside Labour, after allies of Burnham accused Starmer’s camp of trying to sabotage him over Europe.With warnings that Brussels could demand billions for Britain to rejoin the EU, and Labour figures openly fighting over Brexit strategy, questions are growing over who really leads the party and where it wants to take the country.Burnham vs Starmer, Labour leadership polling, Streeting collapse, Brexit betrayal row, EU rejoin backlash. Is Labour heading for a full leadership war?

Is Labour tearing itself apart over Brexit again? A furious row has erupted after Wes Streeting was accused of using the EU issue to undermine Andy Burnham, triggering fresh civil war inside Labour.Political commentator Alex Deane reacts as Burnham faces backlash over claims he wants Britain closer to Europe, before appearing to retreat under pressure amid accusations of a “Brexit betrayal”.At the same time, senior Labour figures including Lisa Nandy are attacking Streeting for reopening the “Brexit wars”, while critics on the Right accuse Labour of trying to quietly reverse Brexit through the back door.Pollster Joe Twyman joins in studio to discuss what voters really think about Brexit in 2026, and whether the issue still has the power to decide elections.Plus, former Brexit Party press chief Liam Deacon reacts to the growing political fallout as figures including Michael Gove and Kemi Badenoch accuse Labour of betraying Leave voters.Brexit betrayal row, Streeting vs Burnham, Labour civil war, EU reset fears, Starmer under pressure. Is Brexit dividing Britain all over again?

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?