Julia Hartley-Brewer unpacks Green victory in previously safe Labour seat, amid claims of family voting and cynical, sectarian campaigning

The Green Party claims its first ever Westminster by-election win, in Labour's 38th safest seat: Gorton &amp; Denton. Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by journalist and commentator Henry Hill to break down the political aftershocks: Labour pushed into third, Reform in second, the Conservatives losing their deposit, and what this says about Keir Starmer’s strategy and the future of two-party politics. Talk reporter Samara Gill brings on-the-ground reporting from Manchester as Green figures celebrate, detailing the mood on the ground — from younger, left-leaning voters to a significant Muslim vote — and the arguments now swirling around community politics and campaign tactics, that included a Green party video in Urdu. Then Green Party activist and Birkbeck University academic Dr Ashok Kumar goes head-to-head with Julia on why the Greens won, whether “bread-and-butter” policies mattered more than foreign policy - the Greens made their policy on Gaza central - and how the party responds to allegations about sectarian campaigning, Urdu-language materials, and claims of “family voting” and electoral integrity raised by observers. Also: the latest on the defacing of Winston Churchill’s statue in Parliament Square, after a man spray painted "zionist war criminal" on it.

Greens win Gorton and Denton by-election as Reform beaten and Labour are pushed into third | Starmer under pressure and missed opportunity for Reform?

2025 migration statistics show surge in channel crossings and persistence of asylum hotels - while Britain's broken NHS hoovers up more and more taxpayer money

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.

Small boat arrivals up 13% in 2025: inside the latest immigration statistics 

The political fight over borders, migrant freebies, and a looming clash over rights going back to Magna Carta - as Labour faces a revolt over jury trial reforms

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.

FREE Houses and Wages for Illegal Migrants?! | Tom Slater torches the Green Party’s policy plan — plus Labour MP Karl Turner on scrapping jury trials & the Mandelson arrest

Lord Foulkes and Brendan O’Neill on Epstein-era questions, Reform UK’s immigration agenda, and the Gorton & Denton by-election

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 &amp; 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.

Peter Mandelson Arrested, Political Campaigning in Urdu and a proposed Burqa Ban: Epstein fall-out and Britain's culture wars continue

From ‘Randy Andy’ to Reform’s ICE-style raids: the royal disgrace, migration crackdown, and free speech flashpoint.

Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by conservative commentator Benedict Spence and&nbsp;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.

Disgraced Andrew, Reform’s MASS DEPORTATIONS Plan & ‘This Is Britain’ Free Speech Row | Julia Hartley‑Brewer w/ Benedict Spence & Oli Dugmore

Peter Cardwell with The Sun’s Thomas Godfrey & Ex-Royal Protection Chief Dai Davies

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

Prince Andrew Arrested: Inside the Police Probe with Ex-Royal Protection Chief

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.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; He is currently being investigated by NINE separate police forces throughout the country.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;&nbsp; Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.&nbsp; Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor ARRESTED! | Robert Jenrick MP reacts and talks the Chagos deal and London rape gangs AND Dai Davies on the royal arrest

Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, former Conservative government minister, comes on The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show to discuss why he agrees with Reform MP Robert Jenrick's economic plan to cut welfare to get the economy back on track. Their conversation comes on a day when inflation fell to 3% and unemployment for 16-24 year olds rose to 16.1%. The youth unemployment rate is the highest since 2020 and worse than the EU average - precipitating a crisis that could have ramifications for decades, as unemployment when you're young makes future work less likely.&nbsp; Meanwhile, Robert Jenrick MP, newly announced Treasury spokesman for Reform, made a major speech to the city. He confirmed Reform would maintain Bank of England independence, maintain the Office for Budget Responsibility and would crackdown on wasteful spending. He vowed to “defuse the benefits bomb”, including by reinstating the two child benefit cap and mandating in-person assessment for sickness or disability payments. The speech came hot on the heels of the announcement that inflation had dropped to 3% - a rare piece of good news for the shambolic chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves.&nbsp; Shortly after Robert Jenrick's speech, it appeared there was disagreement between Mr Jenrick and Nigel Farage. Robert Jenrick vowed to maintain the triple lock on state pensions, whereas Nigel Farage said it was "open to debate". Also: How Sir Jacob would promote family-living, including by instating transferable tax allowances, and why it is a "tragedy" that 300,000 people were aborted last year. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.&nbsp; Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker.

Youth unemployment crisis as Reform UK promises benefits crackdown | Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg on how he would reform welfare, the two child benefit cap, and why he disagrees with Julia on the abortion "tragedy"

Brendan O’Neill, author and writer for Spiked Online, and Suella Braverman, Reform spokeswoman for education, skills and equalities, come on The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show to discuss the war on woke and Reform UK’s new ‘shadow cabinet’.&nbsp; Reform UK announced the first four members of their ‘shadow cabinet’: the spokespeople for various ministerial roles that would make up Reform’s cabinet if they get into power.&nbsp; Zia Yusuf was announced as ‘shadow home secretary’, Richard Tice was announced as business, trade and energy spokesman and would be deputy PM,&nbsp; Robert Jenrick was announced as ‘shadow chancellor of the exchequer’,&nbsp; And Suella Braverman was announced as education, skills and equalities spokeswoman. She vowed to repeal the Equality Act and stop schools from creating the ‘next generation of eco-zealots’.&nbsp;&nbsp; Brendan O’Neill has just written a book - Vibe Shift - that outlines how ordinary, working class people have fought against the out-of-touch political, media and business classes to rally against woke-ism on climate, Brexit, and transgenderism.&nbsp; Also: Labour’s U-turn on council elections, as they announced 30 council elections would go ahead in May.&nbsp; Steve Reed, minister for local government, had previously sought to delay them as authorities were reorganised.&nbsp; But there was public outcry, as democracy would have been denied for over four million people. Reform were polling well in many of the districts that were going to have their vote denied.&nbsp; And how the ECHR could be used to enable family members of Gazan refugees to come to Britain.&nbsp; Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.&nbsp; Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker.

Reform UK ‘shadow cabinet’ announced | Suella Braverman on her new role in Nigel Farage’s team AND Brendan O’Neill on how ordinary people are fighting woke 

The best bits of the Julia Hartley-Brewer show on Talk All the news stories of the day, agenda setting political interviews and big name guests, hosted by the queen of talk.

The best bits of The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show on Talk. All the news stories of the day, agenda setting political interviews and big name guests, hosted by the queen of Talk.

The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show

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