Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins

Is Britain heading for a united Right or a left-wing “coalition of chaos”? A major new poll suggests Reform UK could need the Conservatives to govern, raising the stakes for the future of the Right and the direction of UK politics.Former newspaper editor Neil Wallis and political strategist Peter Barnes break down the numbers, the electoral maths, and what it means for Nigel Farage, Kemi Badenoch, and the Conservatives.We also examine Farage’s hardline agenda, including vows to take on riots, protests and Britain’s welfare bill and whether that message cuts through with voters or risks backlash.From Reform UK surge and Tory strategy to coalition politics, welfare reform and election battlegrounds, this is a critical look at who could actually govern Britain next and how.

Harry Cole from The Sun sits in for Ian Collins, asking: is Keir Starmer redefining English identity, or weaponising it? A row over “plastic patriotism” has ignited a fierce debate about national identity, patriotism and what it means to be English.Keir Starmer’s St George’s Day comments are under fire, with Suella Braverman arguing Labour is out of touch with traditional values as Reform pushes for Union Flags in schools and a stronger focus on national pride.Jack Elsom joins to break down the political fallout and whether this is a culture war flashpoint that could define the next election.Plus, the latest on the small boats crisis, as the UK strikes a new deal with France, raising questions about immigration control, border security and international cooperation.From patriotism and identity politics to immigration and UK-France relations, we ask: who gets to define what it means to be British?

Is Keir Starmer’s leadership unravelling? Labour infighting is exploding, with MPs warning of a “toxic culture”, Cabinet dissent growing, and the Mandelson vetting scandal refusing to go away.David Maddox breaks down the political chaos as pressure mounts on Keir Starmer, with senior figures like Ed Miliband and Yvette Cooper reportedly showing signs of dissent.Former diplomat Ameer Kotecha assesses the national security concerns, government credibility, and leadership crisis now facing No.10.Plus, the wider political battle inside Labour including rows involving Shabana Mahmood as divisions over immigration, identity politics and party direction deepen.Labour civil war, Mandelson scandal, Starmer under pressure, Cabinet revolt, UK politics crisis, is this the beginning of the end for Starmer?

Is the Mandelson scandal spiralling out of control for Keir Starmer? Explosive claims suggest Downing Street put pressure on officials to approve the appointment, raising serious questions about vetting, accountability and national security.Former Conservative MP Michael Fabricant, Labour peer George Foulkes, and journalist Isabel Oakeshott debate the fallout for Keir Starmer, as a row with senior civil servant Olly Robbins deepens.With accusations of political interference, internal clashes, and questions over how decisions were made at the top of government, we ask whether this is a major crisis of leadership and what it means for trust in No.10.From national security concerns and civil service independence to political accountability and transparency, we break down one of the biggest controversies facing the government right now.

Is Keir Starmer facing a growing crisis of trust? With mounting pressure over the Mandelson vetting row, calls are intensifying for Keir Starmer to come clean about what he knew — and when.Former No.10 adviser Oscar Reddrop and Jill Rutter from the Institute for Government assess the political fallout, including demands from Kemi Badenoch for transparency and accountability over alleged red flags.Brendan O’Neill joins to discuss wider concerns about public safety and policing, following reports of attacks targeting synagogues and fears of foreign-linked extremism on UK soil — raising urgent questions about national security and community protection.From the Mandelson controversy and political accountability to terror threats, policing and public trust, we ask whether confidence in government and institutions is being seriously tested.

Has the establishment broken Britain and is the justice system still serving the public? With growing anger over policing, transparency and immigration enforcement, we ask whether trust in institutions is collapsing.Former Conservative MP Michael Fabricant reacts to calls for tougher action on asylum fraud, including proposals that lawyers who assist false claims could face jail, as well as mounting pressure on police to release more details about suspects in serious cases.Legal expert Luke Gittos joins to debate the rule of law, due process and whether demands for greater transparency risk undermining the justice system, or restoring public confidence.And former minister Edwina Currie weighs in on the wider political fallout, including clashes involving Keir Starmer and growing criticism of government handling of crime, policing and migration.From asylum claims and legal accountability to policing priorities and public trust, we examine whether Britain’s institutions are failing the people they’re meant to protect, and what needs to change

Mark Dolan sits in for Ian Collins as we ask: Is moving migrants out of hotels and into local communities really the solution, or just shifting the problem? With Keir Starmer’s government reportedly relocating thousands of asylum seekers, concerns are growing over cost, integration and pressure on public services.Former Home Office minister Norman Baker reacts to the policy, alongside revelations from a BBC investigation suggesting some migrants may be exploiting the asylum system- raising fresh questions about border control and vetting.Maxwell Marlow from the Adam Smith Institute joins to discuss the wider economic picture, as warnings mount that Britain could face the biggest economic shock in the G7, driven by energy costs and global instability.And former defence minister Tobias Ellwood weighs in on national security, with the military being asked to make savings while preparing for potential conflict, prompting concerns over whether the UK is stretching its resources too thin.From immigration and housing to economic pressure and defence, we ask whether current policies are fixing the crisis, or making it harder to control.

Mark Dolan sits in for Ian Collins asking a deeply controversial question: does fear of racism allow dangerous individuals to slip through the cracks? In the wake of the Southport murders, serious concerns are being raised about whether institutions failed to act and why.Political strategist Peter Barnes and Rakib Ehsan examine claims that warnings were missed, including reports that concerns about the attacker were dismissed over fears of racial stereotyping. We also explore whether issues like policing, social services and cultural sensitivities are preventing early intervention in high-risk cases.Broadcaster and historian Rafe Heydel-Mankoo joins to widen the discussion, from the ongoing small boats crisis and tensions with France, to the political fallout surrounding immigration, asylum policy and public trust. We also discuss the latest intervention from Nigel Farage on NHS access for asylum seekers.From multiculturalism and policing to immigration, public safety and political correctness, this is a hard-edged debate on whether Britain’s systems are protecting the public, or holding themselves back.