Talk Drive with Kevin O'Sullivan

Today, Kev is joined by Jewish comedian Harry Deansway, who was expelled from a writing group after describing himself as a Zionist. They discuss how Zionism has become a toxic word and explore the line between conscious and unconscious antisemitism.Later, Kevin is joined by former Conservative MP John Redwood to discuss Andy Burnham’s apparent retreat from claims of Russian interference in the Brexit referendum, following criticism from the Conservatives.They also examine reports of a divide within the Green Party over Caroline Lucas, amid claims that pro-Palestinian Greens want to remove her from the party’s ranks, branding her “toxic”.

Today, Kevin O’Sullivan reacts to Andy Burnham’s first speech back in Parliament after recess, in which he argued that closer ties with the EU could boost economic growth and help tackle illegal immigration.Kevin is first joined by Tom Slater, editor of Spiked, to unpack Burnham’s remarks and discuss what he sees as the continued failure to accept Brexit. Darren Grimes then joins Kevin to discuss Nigel Farage’s speech today, in which he pledged to shut down the asylum system.

Today, Kevin’s top story focuses on Zack Polanski’s major by-election defeat. Kevin is joined by Luke Gittos and Gavin Ashenden to discuss the implications of the defeat, Polanski’s political future, and his battle to retain control of the Green Party.Other topics include criticism of Green Party councillors for choosing October 7 to seek permission to raise the Palestinian flag, as well as Robert Jenrick’s claim that “millions and millions” of people in England are not “culturally or ethnically” English. The comments have intensified an ongoing row over national identity that is increasingly dividing the political Right.

Kevin O’Sullivan is joined by several guests to reflect on and commemorate the horrors that took place in Israel three years ago today.The aunt of Avigail Idan, a young girl who was just three years old when she was taken hostage after her parents were killed in front of her, recounts the harrowing events of that day and the fear that Avigail herself had been killed. She also speaks about the deep pain and grief felt across Israel today following the loss of so many lives.Jake Wallis Simons joins Kevin to discuss the anniversary further, as well as some of the other major stories making headlines today.

On Talk Drive, Kevin O’Sullivan is joined by Reform UK’s Darren Grimes to discuss the public reaction to Andy Burnham’s speech at the Labour Party Conference.Former Met Police Detective, Mike Neville, shares his views on the early-release scheme as prisoners are freed this week.Plus, former deputy leader of the Green Party, Shahrar Ali, responds to the party’s new 'inclusive terminology' guidance, which advises against using words including 'mother' and 'father.'

On Talk Drive, Alex Phillips sits in for Kevin O'Sullivan.She's joined by Nile Gardiner, former aide to Margaret Thatcher, to discuss reports a pilot was stabbed in a suspected hijacking of an Israeli-bound flight.Plus, broadcaster and podcast host, Nuriyah Khan, reacts to reports that a council told staff the Virgin Mary wore a hijab.

On Talk Drive, Kevin O'Sullivan is joined by Reform UK MP Robert Jenrick to react after Andy Burnham's speech at the Labour Party Conference.Former aide to Margaret Thatcher, Nile Gardiner, also shares his reaction and discusses the release of five men on bail, who were arrested in connection with an alleged plot targeting RAF Fairford.

On Talk Drive, Kevin O'Sullivan is joined by former Special Forces adviser Ant Middleton and Spiked Online editor Tom Slater to discuss the arrest of five people near RAF Fairford on suspicion of terrorism offences.Plus, journalist Nicole Lampert reacts to Dawn French being replaced in M&S advertising. The comedian has previously posted political videos online.

On Talk Drive, Kevin O'Sullivan is joined by lead organiser of the Pink Ladies, Orla Minihane, to respond to reports that 83,279 small boat migrants have arrived in the UK since the general election, which is larger than the size of the regular British Army.Independent journalist Sarah White discusses footage of a migrant leaving a child in the water whilst attempting to board a dinghy.Plus, Annunziata Rees-Mogg, head of communications at Popular Conservatism, gives her reaction after a man was jailed for throwing a plastic bottle and swearing at police during an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth.