The Standard

Donald Trump’s claim that the “far-Left” Labour Party in Britain is interfering in the US elections was slapped down by a Cabinet minister on Wednesday.Environment Secretary Steve Reed insisted it was people linked to Labour acting as individuals going out to campaign for Democrat Kamala Harris, not any action organised by the party.The London Standard’s political editor Nicholas Cecil discusses Trump’s allegations and Labour’s response, with less than a fortnight to go in the race for the White House.In part two, our crime correspondent Anthony France reports on the ‘wine detectives’ combating an illegal trade in counterfeit luxury wines flooding London, the international gangs involved and how experts spot the fake stuff.

A murder plot targeting a rival gang member allegedly involving Met Police shooting victim Chris Kaba was among revelations about his criminal record that emerged on Tuesday.Kaba's convictions included prison sentences for weapons possession, as well as being subject to a domestic violence order, which surfaced following the judge’s lifting of reporting restrictions.Police firearms officer Martyn Blake was cleared of murder following the fatal shooting in a ‘hard stop’ in south London, but 24-year-old Kaba’s family described feeling a “deep pain of injustice” following the verdict.We’re joined from the Old Bailey by The London Standard’s courts correspondent, Tristan Kirk.In part two, our business editor Jonathan Prynn on the latest plans for 1 Undershaft - the Square Mile’s tallest skyscraper - how objections have changed this lengthy project and demand for space in the capital’s new-build office blocks.

A government minister has left open the door to big tax hikes in next week’s Budget hitting high-earners on more than £100,000 - as he refused to say if these high earners were “working people” under Labour’s definition.Care minister Stephen Kinnock was repeatedly asked on Sky News, but gave no clear answer, whether or nor people earning six figures were classified as “working people” by the government.We’re joined by The London Standard’s political editor Nicholas Cecil from Parliament to discuss the build-up to next week’s first Labour budget under Chancellor Rachel Reeves.Plus, in part two, The Standard’s transport editor Ross Lydall has been digging into Transport for London documents.He found the organisation’s being warned the capital’s post-Covid return to the office may have stalled as commuter journey numbers grew only at a snail’s pace.

In the fifth episode of our six-part travel series, we visit Marrakech, Fes and Chefchaouen, as sustainable travel expert Juliet Kinsman and journalist Jon Weeks discuss how small-group trips allow for immersive experiences. And they explain how responsible tourism can be a great way of supporting the empowerment of women.Experience the magic of a home-made breakfast in a private home in Marrakech's medina, appreciate the charm of a small family-owned hotel in Fes, explore the souks, and get a sense of the cinematic setting of the Blue City in this impact-unlocking Morocco adventure. Plus, find out what else we're exploring as part of our Sustainable Travel campaign here.Follow us on X or on Threads, or have a look at Juliet’s Instagram @JulietKinsman

It’s what everyone in the UK wants to know, what is going to be in the Budget? Rumours have been swirling around what Chancellor Rachel Reeves has in store with potential tax rises, including inheritance tax, and National Insurance for employers. The jobs minister, Alison McGovern, has said publicly that benefits are set to be cut. With the welfare bill in Britain set to spiral in coming years and decades, the Chancellor is reported to be seeking billions of pounds in benefits savings.Our Political Editor, Nicholas Cecil, reveals everything we know so far as well as his predictions for the upcoming Budget.

On this preview of Brave New World, host Evgeny Lebedev is joined by Jim Poole, chairman, president and chief executive of Solace Life Sciences.The neuroscience company owns NuCalm, a technology designed to reduce stress and improve sleep without recourse to drugs. You may have even spotted the Duchess of Sussex wearing one of their stress relief patches.In this episode, Evgeny and Jim explore the evolution of the human brain, anxiety and how to deregulate the amygdala, a small, almond-shaped part of the brain that plays a central role, which Jim says ‘feeds on fear’.Listen to the full conversation on the Brave New World podcast here.

It’s official, England’s new manager is Thomas Tuchel.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss reportedly signed a contract with the FA last week which will see him receive a salary worth around £5 million. Tuchel, who is German, will be just the third foreign manager to become England coach, after the late Sven-Goran Eriksson of Sweden and the Italian manager Fabio Capello. The Standard’s football reporter, Dom Smith, gives his verdict on the appointment, analyses the new manager’s credentials, and reveals the big tests that lie ahead. 

On this very special episode, The Standard podcast’s Rachelle Abbott is in conversation with the producer, rapper, singer/songwriter and entrepreneur, will.i.am. Plus, they’re also joined by FYI.AI’s Fyilicia. To hear the full extended interview search Tech & Science Daily on your podcast provider, or click here.FYI.AI, which stands for ‘Focus Your Ideas', is a messaging and productivity tool for creatives, founded by will.i.am and software developer, Sunil Reddy.In this episode:will.i.am’s relationship with AIThe story behind FyiliciaThe AI revolution, diversity, inclusivity and what he would say to the next US PresidentFYI is available to download for iOS from the App store and on Android from Google Play Store.

The Mayor of London sits down with London Standard Editor, Dylan Jones, to talk about all things politics.Sadiq Khan discusses the exodus of the capital’s rich, his goals for his unprecedented third term as mayor, the plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street, as well as issues surrounding housing and traffic.In part two, the Gaza marches, his message to London’s Jewish community, and who he would choose as his successor when he eventually steps down. To read Dylan’s full article click here