The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show

Trevor Kavanagh, former political editor of The Sun, joins Julia Hartley-Brewer to dissect the latest immigration and asylum figures — and the continued public anger at the gap between political spin and what people can see happening on Britain’s borders.Ministers may point to a fall in work, study and family visas, a small dip in asylum claims, and fewer asylum seekers in hotels — but Julia and Trevor ask the blunt question: what does “control” look like when illegal migrants are still arriving in large numbers, with small boats surging as soon as the weather improves? Trevor argues that a government’s first duty is to defend the country — and that Britain has become a destination of choice, with taxpayers left funding accommodation, food and healthcare for people who entered unlawfully.Trevor also gives his take on two other flashpoints driving distrust in politics: the murky fallout from the Mandelson arrest story, and the uncertainty around the Chagos Islands deal — including whether Britain really will hand over sovereign territory and then pay to lease back a strategic military base.Then Jamie Jenkins, former ONS statistician, explains what the data actually shows behind the headlines: year-to-date increases in Channel crossings, the scale of asylum claims, how many are granted at first decision versus on appeal, and why “fewer hotel rooms” doesn’t necessarily mean fewer claimants — with many simply moved into other accommodation that is still funded by the state.Finally, Julia and Jamie turn to the other crisis hiding in plain sight: the NHS. With spending having doubled over recent years, why aren’t outcomes improving? Jamie lays out the real pressure points — an ageing population (including a projected surge in over-75s), inefficiency, broken processes, and why digitisation and better productivity may matter as much as extra funding.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker.

Tom Slater, editor of spiked, joins Julia Hartley-Brewer to slam the Green Party’s policy programme — and why it’s the ultimate “gift” to anyone arguing Britain needs common sense back in politics.Julia and Tom break down proposals that would effectively wipe out the idea of “illegal migrants” — including instant access to public services, the right to work with no restrictions, and, most controversially, the promise of a free house (or private room) and a taxpayer-funded basic living wage with no requirement to work or even look for work. Julia brands it “sixth-form politics” dressed up as compassion — warning it would supercharge pull factors while Britons already struggle with housing, jobs, school places and falling living standards.They also tackle the bigger picture: the political double standard where mainstream views on borders and safety are smeared as “extreme” — while genuinely radical ideas are waved through.Then Julia is joined by Karl Turner MP (Labour, Hull East) for an equally blunt conversation about accountability and the justice system. Karl Turner reacts to the extraordinary developments around Lord Mandelson’s arrest connected to allegations relating to Jeffrey Epstein (Mandelson denies wrongdoing and has not been charged), and questions the secrecy around what the public is allowed to know.And on Labour’s plan to curb jury trials for most offences, Turner calls it “outrageous”, says it won’t fix court delays, and warns it risks ripping up a hard-won safeguard dating back to Magna Carta — with a serious Commons rebellion brewing.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker.

In this episode of The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show, Julia is joined by Lord Foulkes (Labour peer and former minister under Tony Blair) and Brendan O’Neill (Chief Political Writer at Spiked) to unpack the growing political storm around Peter Mandelson's arrest last night in connection with the wider Jeffrey Epstein fallout. He was released on bail in the early hours of the morning. With Mandelson denying wrongdoing and there being no confirmed charges, the focus turns to Keir Starmer's political judgement in appointing Mandelson in the first place. Does Britain operate with one rule for the powerful and another for everyone else? Julia argues the story now lands squarely on Keir Starmer, because it raises questions about why someone with controversial associations was elevated to a senior diplomatic role — and what ministers and security vetting may have known.The episode also ranges across Reform UK’s immigration and ECHR stance, proposals to restrict the Burka and other face coverings, and the Gorton & Denton by-election, including controversy over campaigning in languages other than English - namely Urdu, appealing to British-Pakistani voters - and the rise of sectarian-style politics.

Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by conservative commentator Benedict Spence and The New Statesman’s Oli Dugmore for a no-holds-barred deep dive into the stories dominating Britain. First: the latest Prince Andrew fallout — the scandal, the whispers inside royal circles, and what it means for the monarchy’s judgement and future.Then: Reform UK’s hardline border proposals, including an ICE-style enforcement unit, mass deportations, visa bans for countries that won’t take people back, and the row over “restoring Britain’s Christian heritage”. Plus: the Whitechapel flashpoint that’s gone viral — a Christian preacher, angry complaints outside a mosque, and a police officer’s blunt reminder: “This is Britain” and free speech cuts both ways.

Prince Andrew’s arrest sends shockwaves through the Royal Family — and raises urgent questions about what happened, who knew, and what comes next. Host Peter Cardwell is joined by The Sun’s Thomas Godfrey from Sandringham and former Head of Royal Protection Dai Davies to unpack the police investigation, what “misconduct in public office” really means, and whether royal protection officers could face scrutiny too.

Robert Jenrick MP, Reform UK’s shadow chancellor, and Dai Davies, former head of Royal protection, come on The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show to discuss remarkable breaking news at the start of Julia’s broadcast - that Andrew had been arrested at the Sandringham Estate for misconduct in public office. Andrew denies wrongdoing and has not yet been charged - as of the time of publishing. King Charles has released a statement saying ‘the law must take its course’.The continued release of the Epstein files have unveiled the extent of his relationship with the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. E-mail exchanges between the pair reveal that Andrew handed over sensitive documents to Mr Epstein in his role as trade envoy to the British government. He is currently being investigated by NINE separate police forces throughout the country. Also: Robert Jenrick reacts to a Talk exclusive - the news that various British Chaggossians have been served an eviction notice after landing on the island in protest at Britain’s deal. Keir Starmer had agreed to give away the islands and lease back the Diego Garcia military base. American president Donald Trump has flip-flopped on his support for the deal. And Robert Jenrick reacts to a BBC investigation into rape gangs in London. Sadiq Khan has previously denied any awareness of systemic grooming in the capital, despite their prevalence in other parts of the country such as Rotherham.  Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker.