Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins

How do we kickstart the UK economy? With growth stalling and fresh figures showing Britain struggling to gain momentum, questions are growing about whether the government has a credible plan to get the economy moving again.Economist Paul Johnson joins to break down the latest UK GDP figures, why growth has slowed, and what policies could realistically boost productivity, investment and wages.Campaign coordinator Conor O’Shea from Cost of Living Action discusses the pressure households are facing as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite.And Dan Hodges reacts to the continuing political fallout from the Peter Mandelson controversy and what it means for Keir Starmer, Labour’s messaging, and the wider political debate about economic leadership.

How much longer can Keir Starmer survive? Pressure is mounting on the Prime Minister as new reports claim Keir Starmer ignored warnings from senior aides about the reputational risks surrounding Peter Mandelson and his links to Jeffrey Epstein. With the Mandelson controversy refusing to fade, Labour councillor Sebastian Salek and former Brexit Party press chief Liam Deacon debate whether Starmer’s leadership is now in serious danger.Author and Spectator writer Joanna Williams joins to discuss the growing debate over mental health sick notes, after hundreds of GPs said they have never refused one, raising questions about Britain’s welfare system, workplace culture and long-term economic impact.And energy markets expert Herman Wang from S&P Global explains why the UK is releasing emergency oil reserves, what it means for energy prices, and whether Britain is prepared for further shocks to global energy supply.

Would you ever trust a digital ID? The government’s plans for a UK digital identity system are under renewed scrutiny amid warnings about privacy, surveillance and the power of the state. As Keir Starmer reportedly considers changes to digital ID proposals over privacy concerns, journalist and author Alex Klaushofer and Alexander Iosad from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change debate whether digital ID could modernise government services or create a dangerous new level of state control.We also examine the growing free speech row over Islamophobia laws after warnings that Labour’s proposed definition of anti-Muslim hostility could lead to self-censorship in schools, universities and public life. Andrew Gilligan, senior fellow at Policy Exchange, reacts to claims that children’s drawings could be considered offensive under religious guidelines and what the legal challenge to the government’s guidance could mean for free expression.Plus, the political fallout from the Iran conflict continues, with the Home Secretary banning a pro-Iran march in London and MPs calling for tougher extremism laws targeting protest groups. And Reem Ibrahim discusses the latest developments surrounding the Peter Mandelson files and what they could mean for Westminster.

Islamophobia: is it a backdoor to blasphemy laws? The government’s new definition of anti-Muslim hatred, and the appointment of an “anti-Muslim hostility” tsar, has reignited a fierce debate about free speech, religion and the limits of criticism in Britain. Connie Shaw from the Free Speech Union joins to discuss whether the move risks chilling open debate, as schools are urged to monitor anti-Muslim hostility and ministers insist the policy will still protect freedom of expression.We also examine the escalating Iran war and Britain’s role in the conflict. Defence analyst Simon Diggins reacts to reports of major airstrikes on Tehran, growing US pressure, and criticism of Keir Starmer over the speed of the UK’s military response as HMS Dragon prepares to deploy to Cyprus.And Philip Kiszely of the New Culture Forum discusses the continued push for corporate diversity targets, asking whether DEI policies are reshaping British business and culture, and whether companies are under growing pressure to meet ideological benchmarks.

How can the UK ensure energy security as war in the Middle East threatens global oil supplies? With crude prices surging toward $100 a barrel and fears growing over a potential battle for the Strait of Hormuz, we examine whether Britain is prepared for a global energy shock.Former Royal Navy commander Tom Sharpe OBE explains what a conflict in the Gulf could mean for global shipping lanes, the Royal Navy, and Britain’s ability to protect energy supplies. Gawain Towler, board member of Reform UK, reacts to the political fallout as Keir Starmer reportedly speaks with Donald Trump amid rising energy prices and speculation ministers could freeze household energy bills.Investigative journalist David Shipley joins to discuss new government plans to tackle extremism in universities and the charity sector, and what the measures could mean for free speech and national security.And Shiva Mahbobi, a former Iranian political prisoner, gives insight into the situation inside Iran following the emergence of a new Ayatollah, and what it could mean for the regime, the Iranian people, and the future of the conflict.

Britain’s role in the escalating Iran conflict is under intense scrutiny. Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith and former Shadow Attorney General Sir Bill Cash debate whether the UK should be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the US and Israel, or holding back, as reports suggest Middle East allies feel Britain has “failed” them and Cabinet divisions emerge over Donald Trump’s war strategy.Former Home Office minister Norman Baker reacts to Keir Starmer’s latest speech on Iran and what it signals about Britain’s foreign policy direction, military involvement and the future of the UK’s role on the global stage.The programme also examines the government’s tightening migration stance: failed asylum seeker families being offered up to £40,000 to leave the UK, new plans to deport foreign criminals from taxpayer-funded hotels, and proposals that migrants must speak A-level standard English before settling permanently in Britain. Former government adviser James Price discusses whether tougher immigration policies and a potential Left-wing alliance against Reform could reshape British politics.

Who would best lead Britain through war? We debate the leadership question dominating UK politics as Keir Starmer faces mounting criticism from allies and opponents alike, and even jibes from Donald Trump comparing him unfavourably to Churchill.Joining us: Katy Balls, Patrick Cockburn, Daniel Hannan, and Natasha Hausdorff.We discuss the UK’s war readiness, the future of the UK-US special relationship, rising tensions in the Middle East, and Iran’s claim of control over the Strait of Hormuz, a development that could have huge consequences for global security, energy markets, and Britain’s role on the world stage.Expect sharp analysis on UK defence, global conflict risk, Iran tensions, Trump vs Starmer, and Britain’s military leadership in a potential war scenario.

Iran war, UK foreign policy, and the risk of World War 3. Is Britain on the brink of a major Middle East conflict? As tensions rise between Iran, Israel and the United States, pressure is mounting on Keir Starmer over whether the UK should join military action. After criticism from Donald Trump, we break down the political fallout, the security risks, and what this means for Britain, NATO and global stability.Former Conservative MP and military expert Dr Bob Seely explains the military reality behind the Iran crisis, US strikes on Iran, and whether escalation in the Middle East could trigger a wider global conflict. We’re also joined by Urban Coningham from the Royal United Services Institute and journalist Emily Schrader to analyse Iran’s regime, regional tensions, and the geopolitical stakes for the UK, Europe and the West.Plus, investigative journalist David Collier discusses the growing controversy on UK campuses following reactions linked to Ali Khamenei, and the wider debate around extremism, free speech, universities, and British politics.