Talkback with Petrie Hosken

As the extreme June heatwave shatters records in the UK and in Europe, pets are facing life-threatening dangers. Unlike humans, animals struggle to cool down, risking fatal heatstroke, severe dehydration, and painfully scorched paws. So what should we do to support our furry friends, what should we avoid? Plus how are you dealing with the soaring temperatures?Veterinary Surgeon, Steve Leonard, talks about heat for your pets, and then Travel Journalist, Ed Wiseman, gives his experiences before we hear yours.

23rd June marks exactly 10 years since the historic Brexit referendum, and British politics remains defined by unprecedented volatility.  Over the last decade we have witnessed intense institutional friction, rapid-fire prime ministerial successions, and a fundamental reshaping of the UK’s democratic fabric.  What would you vote for if they held the referendum again today? Would it be any different than what you voted 10 years ago? Petrie discusses this with Professor of Government at the Institute of Contemporary British History, Sir Vernon Bodganor, Former Director of Comms for the Conservative Party, Amy Fisher, and then you.

Following months of mounting pressure, PM Keir Starmer officially announced his resignation outside 10 Downing Street.  As his departure was triggered by Andy Burnham’s recent Makerfield by-election triumph, Burnham immediately launched his leadership bid, becoming the frontrunner to succeed Starmer as Prime Minister. With this resignation, the U.K is set to have 7 Prime Ministers in 10 years, and so Petrie wants to know do you think the country is ungovernable? Do we demand too much too quickly? After a quick roundup of all the latest events, we hear what you have to say.

The UK Law Commission is reviewing homicide laws, proposing a landmark shift to split murder into first and second degree categories. Under the proposed reforms, first-degree murder would be reserved strictly for intentional killings, retaining the mandatory life tariff. Second-degree murder would apply to cases where the offender only intended to cause serious harm, or where partial defences like diminished responsibility apply. This would introduce discretionary sentencing to reflect an offender's true culpability.Petrie speaks on this firstly to Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure and Evidence Lecturer, Stephanie Roberts. Former Political Editor, Vincent Moss, then gives his views and then finally Criminal Defence Attorney in California, Joseph Tully weighs in.

Keir Starmer has delayed major cuts to disability benefits after a massive rebellion by his own Labour MPs. The government has dropped a strict new test that would have made it much harder for people to get Personal Independence Payments, with major changes expected later in the year. Meanwhile, the Conservatives are launching a review into the sickness and disability benefits in their bid to make the system fair and affordable again. Should benefits make way to provide more funding to defence? Petrie speaks with Disability Campaigner, Rachel Morris, before hearing if you think it's fair to make adjustments in this way.

Elon Musk has become the world's first trillionaire after the record-breaking stock market debut of his company SpaceX. According to Bloomberg, Musk’s estimated net worth sits at about $1.11trillion.With his in mind, Petrie is asking you what should the mega rich do with their money? What would you do if you were a trillionaire? Associate Professor of Mathematics, Richard Elwes, lays out just how much money $1.1trillion dollars really is. Then you get to have some fun and reveal what you would do with that vast sum of money.

The 2026 World Cup starts with the very first game in Mexico City, where Mexico plays South Africa. This big tournament is happening across 3 countries: the USA, Canada, and Mexico. But this World Cup has been facing a number of issues; fans are angry because tickets cost too much, hotel workers in America are threatening to strike and a referee from Somalia has not been allowed to enter the US.Are you excited for this world cup? Sport Journalist, Steve Forbes, sets the scene of what to expect over the coming weeks before Petrie speaks to Transport Journalist, Ed Wiseman, and also hears if you're looking forward to the tournament this summer.

Belfast has been on high alert following a brutal knife attack in the Northern Ireland city. Protesters have gathered and some have been starting fires throughout. This follows multiple similar incidents across the country, so Petrie wants to know if you feel that Britain is now a tinderbox?We hear your instant reactions following hearing from Broadcast Journalist with U105 in Belfast, Caoimhe Quinn, who details the latest developments in the city at the time of the show.