Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins

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.

Should public prayer be banned in Britain? A fierce debate has erupted over religion, free expression and public space after calls to restrict public prayer sparked political backlash. Theologian Theo Hobson and writer Jonathan Sacerdoti debate whether public displays of religion strengthen community life - or risk deepening division.The row comes as Kemi Badenoch accuses Keir Starmer of pandering for political support, while Nigel Farage faces criticism over calls to ban Muslim public prayer - raising wider questions about religious freedom, integration and British values.We also look at the growing political turmoil inside Labour, with warnings of a potential civil war over migration policy and fears the party could suffer heavy losses at upcoming elections. Former Labour adviser Kevin Meagher and commentator Benedict Spence discuss whether Starmer is losing control, amid ongoing controversy over small boat crossings, asylum policy and the UK’s future relationship with Europe.

Is technology making Britain safer or creating a surveillance state? As the government rolls out a major expansion of GPS tagging and live monitoring for offenders, including domestic abusers and violent criminals, we ask where the line is between public safety and personal privacy. Former Met Police detective Peter Bleksley and freedom campaigner Montgomery Toms debate whether increased surveillance is the answer to rising crime or a step too far for civil liberties.We also examine the latest immigration row after Keir Starmer signals a potential migrant U-turn under pressure from Angela Rayner, alongside controversial deportation cases raising questions about the UK’s border system and legal framework. Tom Jones from The Critic reacts.And we look at the growing political push to rethink Brexit, as figures including Rachel Reeves and Sadiq Khan suggest closer ties with the European Union, while the Green Party raises the prospect of rejoining altogether. Former MEP David Bannerman gives his view on whether Britain is drifting back toward Europe.

Concerns about extremism, integration and social cohesion are back in focus as new polling suggests British Muslims are significantly more likely than the general public to hold favourable views of the Iranian regime, alongside more hostile attitudes towards the US and Israel. Dr Rakib Ehsan from the Policy Exchange joins to unpack what this means for community relations, foreign policy attitudes and national security in Britain as debate grows over antisemitism, radicalisation and recent court rulings linked to support for Hamas.We also look at the political pressure building on Keir Starmer, with Angela Rayner warning Labour is running out of time. James Heale, Deputy Political Editor at The Spectator, discusses growing divisions within the party, immigration tensions and whether Starmer’s leadership is entering a critical phase.And broadcaster Clare Muldoon reacts to Scotland’s decision to reject assisted dying legislation, examining what it means for the wider UK debate on end-of-life care, ethics and public opinion.

Should Keir Starmer assist the Americans? With tensions escalating in the Iran conflict and the strategic Strait of Hormuz under threat, pressure is mounting on Britain to support the United States militarily. Donald Trump has criticised Keir Starmer for refusing to join operations to secure the Gulf shipping lane, raising serious questions about the UK–US alliance, NATO cooperation and Britain’s role in global security. Former NATO and Royal Navy commander Chris Parry assesses the military reality and what British involvement could look like.We also examine the growing political battle over UK energy bills and the cost-of-living crisis. Robert Jenrick, Reform’s shadow chancellor, outlines plans to scrap VAT and green levies on energy bills, arguing it could save households at least £200 a year.And Professor David Nutt joins the programme to challenge claims that medical cannabis harms mental health, arguing new research ignores two decades of evidence and misrepresents the debate around cannabis policy, mental health and medical treatment.