The Standard

Between 2023 and 2024, police recorded a record high of 37,959 blackmail offences in England and Wales but what’s behind the increase in this type of crime? Alexandra McCready is Head of Reputation and Privacy for law firm, Vardags, and joins us to reveal what really goes on behind closed doors when it comes to dealing with blackmail and sextortion.  Plus, how and why the recent papal election process fuelled a new online obsession amongst Gen-Z. The London Standard’s Features writer and columnist, Maddy Mussen is here with the lowdown on PopeCrave, fan-cams and the fan fiction inspired by Conclave.

After several days of commemoration events to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, culminating in a memorial service today at Westminster Abbey, we’re joined by Laura Clouting, Senior Curator at the Imperial War Museum, to explore why the historic event still holds importance in today’s society and what we can learn from those who endured the Second World War. Plus, as Sir David Attenborough celebrates his 99th birthday, he releases a new film with possibly one of his most important messages to date. The London Standard’s Culture writer, Vicky Jessop, joins us to tell us what we can expect from ‘Ocean’. 

Tensions are rising between two nuclear powers after India launched missile strikes into Pakistan-controlled territory. Pakistan’s calling it an “act of war”. The London Standard’s reporter Jacob Phillips joins us to explain what’s happened, why now, and what it means for the UK and wider world.Plus, we hear from James Ashton, co-founder of Oscar’s Book Prize. He tells us about this year’s winning picture book “Just The Two of Us” by Polly Noakes - and the moving legacy behind the award.

The Home Office has announced plans to crackdown on VISA applications to the UK.Under the proposed crackdown, applications from people who fit the profile of someone who may claim asylum and who are from countries with high rates of asylum claims will be rejected.The London Standard’s Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford discusses the ins and outs of the plans, and considers whether the crackdown will ultimately benefit the UK.Plus, Entertainment Editor Lisa Mcloughlin discusses the outfits, celeb goss and drama from the 2025 Met Gala, including the celebs whose designs were more 'Meh Gala'.

The Government has been urged to take action after new research has found that more than half of London’s short-term holiday let properties are rented unlawfully. The London Standard’s Local Democracy Reporter, Noah Vickers, is here to explain the rules around these sort of property rentals and examine why they are causing issues.Plus, as part of The Standard’s Hidden London series, archaeologist, author and Director of Projects at the World Monuments Fund, John Darlington joins us to share the story of Strawberry Hill House including how it inspired the genre of gothic fiction. 

The United States and Ukraine have announced an economic deal which will tie the two countries together in a joint reinvestment fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction.But what are the finer points of the deal and how could it impact any peace plan with Russia?The London Standard’s Rachael Burford is here with all the latest.Plus, we’ll find out about a major new food hall which is set to open in the shadows of one of the most iconic buildings in town.The London Standard’s restaurant critic and Going Out Editor, David Ellis, shares his opinions on the offering.

New research that reveals people hit by SUVs are 44 percent likely to die than if they were struck by a conventional car, while children are 82 per cent more likely to suffer fatal injuries. But SUVs are some of London's most popular vehicles. The London Standard’s transport editor Ross Lydall joins the podcast. (edited) In part two, Hiroshige: artist of the open road, at the British Museum. The exhibition has been given four stars from The London Standard. To find out more we join the museum’s project curator for Japanese collections in the Department of Asia, Alfred Haft.

With firefighters in London battling a huge blaze at an electrical substation, just over a month since a similar incident brought Heathrow Airport to a standstill, how worried should we be about the frequency of these substation fires?  And, in light of the recent events in Spain and Portugal, are there greater concerns about the stability of the UK’s power network?  John Loughhead, Professor of Clean Energy at the University of Birmingham and Fellow and Former President at the Institution of Engineering and Technology, is here to offer an insight to the situation both here and abroad. Plus, in part two, could you help the Zoological Society London uncover mystery film footage in time for their 200th anniversary celebrations in 2026? ZSL’s Bicentenary Project Manager, Tina Campanella joins us to explain how to get involved. 

The NHS is set to overhaul how it supports young people with gender dysphoria, with new proposals to screen for autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions.Leaked plans suggest a move away from a purely medical model towards a more holistic approach to care. The London Standard’s Daniel Keane explains what’s behind the changes, how they link to the Cass Review, and the reaction from campaign groups.Plus, we hear from The London Standard’s Anthony France about the Critical Mass London protest that brought traffic at the Silvertown Tunnel to a standstill.