Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins

Are white working-class kids being left behind? New claims that white working-class students are being excluded from some Oxbridge diversity schemes have reignited the debate over equality, opportunity and who is being left behind in modern Britain.Lord Tony Sewell, former Chair of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, discusses reports that white working-class pupils are missing out on university outreach programmes despite remaining one of the lowest-performing groups educationally. Has the drive for diversity created new inequalities, and does Britain need to rethink how opportunity is targeted?Author and Spectator writer Joanna Williams reacts to the latest row surrounding Andy Burnham, after he dismissed claims he could become Labour’s “first female Prime Minister” amid pressure to appoint more women to senior government roles. Has identity politics gone too far, or is Labour right to focus on representation?Political writer Brendan O’Neill examines why Labour has seen only a limited polling boost following Keir Starmer’s resignation, despite Burnham’s arrival in Downing Street. Is the public still unconvinced that Labour offers the change Britain wants?Finally, Maria Bowtell, Head of Local Government at Restore Britain, discusses growing calls for Shabana Mahmood to close legal loopholes that campaigners say are preventing the deportation of a convicted grooming gang leader. Should the Government strengthen deportation powers for foreign offenders?Education, social mobility, identity politics, Andy Burnham, Labour, grooming gangs, deportation and equality. Are white working-class children becoming Britain’s forgotten generation?

How would you solve the immigration crisis? With the cost of the asylum system under growing scrutiny and fresh questions over border security, immigration is once again dominating the political agenda.Charlie Rowley reacts to reports that migrants using the ECHR to remain in Britain could cost taxpayers £4.9 billion, as ministers unveil plans to make asylum seekers repay the cost of hotel accommodation if they are later granted the right to work. We also discuss local anger after dozens of asylum seekers were moved into newly built homes originally intended for social housing.Orla Minihane, spokeswoman for Restore Britain, gives her solution to the immigration crisis and asks whether Britain’s asylum system has become unsustainable. Should the UK leave the ECHR, reform asylum laws or take an entirely different approach?Meanwhile, political commentator and former Independent Mayor of Middlesbrough Andy Preston discusses Andy Burnham’s vision for government after the Prime Minister pledged to “rewire” Britain. We examine Burnham’s plans to continue basing himself in Greater Manchester rather than living full-time in Downing Street, and whether governing from outside Westminster represents a fresh approach or sends the wrong message.Immigration, asylum, the ECHR, border security, asylum hotels, Andy Burnham, constitutional reform and the future of Britain. If you were Prime Minister, how would you solve the immigration crisis?

Would you give Andy Burnham 10 years? The Prime Minister says he needs a decade to transform Britain, but critics warn his plans could mean higher taxes, bigger government and little immediate relief for struggling families.Linda Duberley reacts after Burnham unveiled his 10-year vision for Britain, amid claims that middle-class taxpayers could be hit with fresh tax rises to fund Labour’s long-term agenda. Can Burnham deliver the change he promises, or is he asking voters for too much time?Political scientist Dr Andy Mycock and politics professor Anthony Glees assess whether Burnham has the political capital to reshape Britain, and whether the public will back a Prime Minister asking to be judged over a decade rather than a single Parliament.Meanwhile, Lucy Moreton, Professional Officer for the Immigration Services Union, discusses sweeping new plans to overhaul the asylum system after Shabana Mahmood proposed using members of the public to help decide asylum appeals. We also examine fresh figures showing a record 20,000 foreign criminals have avoided deportation, reports that thousands of deported migrants have returned to Britain, and claims that Labour has quietly dropped restrictions on illegal migrants gaining British citizenship. Has Britain lost control of its immigration system?Andy Burnham, 10-year plan, tax rises, asylum appeals, foreign criminals, deportations, illegal migration, British citizenship and border security. Would you give Burnham 10 years to change Britain?

Is Andy Burnham already winning over Britain? New polling suggests Britons would rather see Andy Burnham in No.10 than Nigel Farage, as the new Prime Minister faces his first major tests on the economy, immigration and Net Zero.Mark Littlewood, Director of Popular Conservatism, reacts after Donald Trump branded Burnham “extremely liberal” during a White House appearance. Is Burnham heading for a clash with the US President, and what does his rise mean for the future of British politics?Energy policy expert David Turver examines what a Burnham government could mean for Net Zero, energy bills and economic growth, as businesses and investors seek clarity on Labour’s direction.Annunziata Rees-Mogg, Head of Communications at Popular Conservatism, discusses explosive claims that more than 60,000 migrants have no right to be in Britain, alongside reports that tens of thousands of illegal migrants are effectively unaccounted for. Has Britain lost control of its borders, and can any government get a grip on the crisis?Later, acclaimed author and academic Bjorn Lomborg joins us to debate the cost of climate change policies, whether governments are getting the balance right, and if Net Zero strategies are making ordinary people poorer without delivering the promised results.Andy Burnham, Donald Trump, Nigel Farage, immigration, illegal migration, Net Zero, energy bills and climate policy. Is Britain embracing Burnham’s vision or heading for a political reckoning?

Can Andy Burnham turn our country around? Just days after Keir Starmer’s resignation, attention is turning from Labour’s leadership drama to a bigger question: is Burnham ready to govern?Giles Dilnot, Editor of ConservativeHome, reacts as Burnham and Starmer hold talks on an “orderly transition” amid reports that Burnham’s team is scrambling to prepare for power after being caught off guard by the speed of events. Is Labour ready for government, or already showing signs of chaos?Harry Cole, Editor-at-Large of The Sun, discusses growing concern in the City over reports that Burnham could hand one of the biggest jobs in government to Ed Miliband, raising questions about tax, spending, Net Zero and the future direction of the British economy. Would a Burnham government bring stability or spook investors?We also bring you the latest from the ARC Conference, where former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison warns that Western nations must regain control of immigration. What lessons can Britain learn from Australia on borders, migration and national identity?Andy Burnham, Labour transition, Ed Miliband, the economy, Net Zero, immigration, Scott Morrison and Britain’s future. Can Burnham deliver the change Britain has been promised?

Should Andy Burnham face a leadership challenge? Just hours after Keir Starmer’s resignation, Labour is already facing a fierce battle over who should take control of the party, with some MPs reportedly moving to stop what they fear could become a Burnham coronation.Matthew Syed, columnist for The Times and The Sunday Times, joins us live as Westminster reacts to Burnham’s dramatic arrival in Parliament amid scenes of celebration from supporters and growing unease among critics. Does Burnham have a mandate to lead, or should Labour members and MPs have a genuine contest?Mike Galsworthy, Chair of the European Movement UK, discusses reports that Brussels is rethinking its approach to post-Brexit negotiations following Starmer’s departure, and what a Burnham leadership could mean for Britain’s future relationship with the European Union. Ten years after Brexit, has the country benefited or paid the price?Lord Matthew Elliott, former Vote Leave chief executive and author of Ten Years On: The Untold Story of Brexit, reflects on the legacy of the referendum and whether Britain has delivered on the promises of Brexit.Later, Lord Toby Young examines the growing backlash against Burnham’s rise, as well as concerns over Labour’s proposed changes to jury trials and what they could mean for free speech, civil liberties and the justice system.Andy Burnham, Labour leadership battle, Starmer resignation, Brexit at 10, EU relations, free speech and jury trials. Is Burnham the leader Labour wants, or simply the leader Labour expects?

Will Andy Burnham save Britain? Following the dramatic resignation of Keir Starmer, Labour is entering a new era as attention turns to who will lead the party, and the country, next.Martin Beckford, Policy Editor at the Daily Mail, reacts to Starmer’s emotional departure from Downing Street after months of political turmoil, Cabinet infighting and mounting pressure from Labour MPs. What finally brought down a Prime Minister who entered office with a huge majority?Jonathan Gullis, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, gives his verdict on Labour’s leadership crisis and whether Andy Burnham represents a genuine change of direction or simply a continuation of the same policies that helped force Starmer out.Former Labour adviser Patrick Diamond assesses Burnham’s prospects after reports that he wants three months to prepare for No.10. Can the Greater Manchester Mayor reunite Labour, win back voters and restore confidence in government?Economist Liam Halligan examines what a Burnham premiership could mean for Britain’s economy, taxes, spending and growth, as markets and businesses prepare for a potentially significant shift in direction.Starmer resigns, Andy Burnham, Labour leadership race, No.10 battle, Reform UK, the Conservatives, economic policy and Britain’s future. Is Andy Burnham the answer to Britain’s problems?

Can any party stop the small boats crisis? With more than 700 migrants crossing the Channel in a single day, the highest daily total of the year so far, pressure is mounting on the Government as critics argue that every major party has failed to get a grip on illegal migration.Isabel Oakeshott, Talk International Editor, reacts to the latest Channel crossing figures and asks whether Labour, the Conservatives or Reform have a credible plan to stop the boats and restore control of Britain’s borders.Business Affairs Editor at The Sun James Flanders discusses controversial new figures showing a surge in Personal Independence Payment claims, including for anxiety-related conditions, with growing debate over welfare spending, economic inactivity and whether the benefits system is fit for purpose.Former Old Bailey judge Wendy Joseph KC joins us to examine plans to overhaul murder laws by introducing first and second-degree murder charges. Would the changes deliver fairer justice for victims and defendants, or risk creating greater complexity in the courts?Small boats crisis, Channel crossings, immigration, welfare spending, PIP claims, economic inactivity, murder law reform and criminal justice. Can Britain’s political class solve the problems voters care most about?

How has politics become so toxic? Ten years after the murder of MP Jo Cox, concerns are growing that political debate in Britain is becoming increasingly angry, polarised and hostile, both online and offline.Charlie Rowley, political commentator, reacts to warnings that political discourse is more poisonous than ever, with growing concerns about intimidation, abuse and the impact of social media on public debate.Former Liberal Democrat MP Tom Brake and HuffPost UK Political Editor Kevin Schofield discuss whether Britain’s political culture has fundamentally changed since the Jo Cox murder, why trust in politicians continues to decline, and whether Westminster is becoming more divided rather than more united.Meanwhile, barrister and broadcaster Chris Daw KC joins us to discuss two major criminal justice stories. First, the sentence handed to the killer of Henry Nowak is set to be reviewed by the Court of Appeal following public controversy over the case. We also examine the shocking conviction of a teacher found guilty of murdering and sexually abusing an adopted baby boy, alongside questions about whether multiple opportunities to protect the child were missed.Political toxicity, Jo Cox, online abuse, trust in politics, Henry Nowak appeal, child protection failures and criminal justice. Has Britain become a more angry and divided country?