Talk Drive with Kevin O'Sullivan

Kevin O’Sullivan is joined by Mark Dolan and Angela Levin to discuss the latest revelations surrounding Meghan Markle and her father, Thomas Markle.What do the latest developments tell us about the increasingly strained relationship between the Duchess of Sussex and her father? Kevin, Mark and Angela examine the stories making headlines today, explore the family tensions behind the latest news, and debate what these revelations could mean for Meghan and the wider Royal Family.With sharp analysis, candid opinions and plenty to discuss, this is an in-depth conversation about one of the most talked-about family dramas surrounding the Sussexes.

Today, Kevin is joined by Robert Bates to discuss Shabana Mahmood’s efforts to push back against cabinet colleagues over the migrant crackdown. Robert tells Kevin that he is confident the reforms will not go ahead, predicting that by the next general election, two million people will have indefinite leave to remain, with some also having obtained British passports.Kevin is then joined by Sir David Bell, who led the independent review into antisemitism in schools and colleges. They discuss the importance of schools having clear codes of conduct for both staff and students, as well as the need to strengthen guidance on political impartiality. Sir David emphasises that teachers should encourage open debate and discussion while ensuring they do not impose their own personal biases on pupils.

Today, Kevin O’Sullivan is joined by author and columnist Jake Wallis Simons to discuss the day’s biggest stories. They begin by examining reports that National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell is facing pressure following his wife’s comments calling for the Palestine Action ban to be lifted. They also discuss the controversy surrounding the so-called ‘Palestine Poppy’, designed by an Oxford-educated NHS paediatrician. Later, Gavin Ashenden joins Kevin to discuss Prince Harry’s reported desire to reconcile with his family.

On Talk Drive, Kevin O'Sullivan is joined by Talk presenter Alex Phillips to discuss the riots that have erupted in France.Falklands War Veteran Simon Weston CBE reacts to activists selling a ‘Palestine poppy’ ahead of Remembrance Day.Plus, political commentator Ellie Hodges reports on the Battle of Ideas festival.

On Talk Drive, Kevin O'Sullivan is joined by writer Graham Linehan to discuss the apology he received from the police following his arrest. Connie Shaw, external affairs officer at the Free Speech Union, weighs in on a video of Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and Chancellor John Healey riding in a tuk-tuk in Bangkok.Plus, broadcaster and writer Adam Brooks reacts to a new poll suggesting Labour could secure a 56-seat majority in the Commons.

On Talk Drive, Kevin O'Sullivan is joined by Kim Bailey, chairwoman of the Crowborough Shield, and the women of Piddington, to discuss MPs rejecting a Conservative motion opposing Labour’s plans to house 1,256 male asylum seekers at a former military site near Piddington.Plus, former Met Police Detective, Peter Bleksley, responds to Ayoub Khan MP’s criticism of claims that police fabricated evidence against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans.

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.