The Standard

Rising tensions in the Middle East are adding new global economic uncertainties. The pound, while recovering slightly on Friday, remained set for its worst week in more than a year - as oil heads for the biggest weekly price increase since 2023.It came as Israel intensified strikes on Lebanon following Iran’s missile barrage and ongoing Hezbollah rocket attacks. The Standard podcast is joined by Dr James Meadway, economist at the Progressive Economy Forum, to examine the financial forecast.In part two, hear some of the soundscapes visitors to a high-tech immersive art installation at Lumen Studios close to Tower Bridge can experience.Spanning over 1,000 square metres, the ticketed Eclipse show by French-Japanese visual art duo Nonotak explore the boundary between art and technology as visitors step into a show filled with darkness, light beams and sound. Jen Roebuck, chief executive of Bermondsey’s Lumen Studios, discusses the installation and our growing appetite for IRL immersive art.

On this preview of Brave New World….Why AI is the future of medicine. Alternative medicine advocate and best-selling author Deepak Chopra joins host Evgeny Lebedev, to discuss why artificial intelligence is the key to unlocking both personal and spiritual growth, and why humanity is at a crucial crossroads with technology.The health and wellness expert has been at the intersection of science and spirituality for nearly 50 years and recently released his 95th book, titled Digital Dharma. Listen to the full conversation on the Brave New World podcast here.

As the world awaits Israel’s response to rocket attacks by Iran, what role did British forces play defending the country?In this episode of The Standard podcast we’ll also look at the UK government’s handling of the crisis, with Britons told to leave Lebanon as Israel continues to pound Tehran-backed Hezbollah and ground operations begin.Around 180 Iranian rockets were fired on Tuesday night as Iran’s response to Israel’s assassination of Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah, and follows devastating pager-based attacks against the terror group.Evening Standard defence editor Robert Fox explains the significance of Iran’s rocket barrage targeting Israel.In part two, the average UK household energy bill has now increased by £149 after Ofgem raised its price cap just as the winter months begin. The Standard podcast is joined by Jonathan Marshall​​​, principal economist at the Resolution Foundation think-tank, who discuss context of the latest increase.

It’s the penultimate day of the Conservatives’ conference in Birmingham, where the final four leadership hopefuls are vying for attentions of the party faithful.Yesterday, we looked at the free ‘merch’ being offered on candidates’ stalls - those friendship bracelets and fake tan - but will these multiple charm offensives translate into votes?Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, Robert Jenrick and Tom Tugendhat have been fielding questions from voting party members at conference events ahead of the leadership race.So, is anyone edging ahead - and who’s got the best offer for London?We’re joined from Birmingham by The Standard’s political editor Nicholas Cecil, who reports developments from the leadership race and recent revelations in the memoir of Tory grandee Lord Brady.In part two, The Standard’s transport editor Ross Lydall examines proposals for a £4.5 million cycleway running through the City of London, including Bank junction, to provide an alternative to the CS3 cycle superhighway.

The Conservative Party conference kicks off in Birmingham - throwing the race to become the next opposition leader wide open. And as the hopefuls promote themselves to the Tory membership, there’s an unusual array of candidate promotional ‘merch’ being offered.The Standard’s chief political correspondent, Rachael Burford, has the details.But is it actually helping convince members that they should back James Cleverly, Tom Tugendhat, Kemi Badenoch or Robert Jenrick?The jury’s out, but there’s also been some very interesting polling on who the public’s thinks has what it takes to become a future prime minister.In part two, as the UK’s last remaining coal-fired power station shuts down, is it possible to ensure clean energy while cutting consumer bills - and how would this power grid of the future operate?We’re joined by climate scientist Simon Lewis, professor of global change science at UCL.

For your next trip, why not explore closer to home? Sustainable travel expert Juliet Kinsman and journalist Jon Weeks discuss the benefits of visiting nature-positive escapes such as Sussex's Knepp Estate, which was transformed from a working farm into a 3,500 pioneering rewilding project. Isabella Tree, who led the transformation, explains how giving the site back to nature saw it grow into an incredible natural landscape, and help re-establish animal species. Ned Burrell, director of the site's Wilding Kitchen restaurant explains how they're using food to promote the benefits of rewilding endeavours in the UK.Juliet also describes her trips to the 42 acres wellness retreat in Somerset, and the Reeds at South Lodge in the south east.Plus, find out what else we're exploring as part of our Sustainable Travel campaign here.Follow us on X or on Threads.

Sir Keir Starmer has met with the US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump for the first time.The meeting has sparked quite a bit of backlash though, considering what prominent Labour front benchers have said about the former president in the past. Our Deputy Political Editor, Jitendra Joshi, discusses everything we know about the meeting so far, and shares his insight into whether this could be the beginning of an unlikely friendship. In part two, our features & culture writer, Emma Loffhagen, explains the Sally Rooney divide amongst book lovers and critics. Plus, gives her review of Rooney’s latest novel Intermezzo.

The Prime Minister has told the London Standard, he wants to make London the artificial intelligence capital of the world, and the opportunities to create wealth are endless.Our Political Editor, Nicholas Cecil, discusses whether the UK can compete with the US when it comes to leading the way with this rapidly developing technology, and what spurred Sir Keir Starmer on to focus on AI now.In part two, cyber security expert Richard Bingley, shares his insight after a Wi-Fi cyber attack hits major UK stations - with ten of them in London.

Want something to brighten up the gloomy autumn days? We’ve got the definitive list of all the best entertainment to keep you busy.From exciting films, shows, TV, exhibitions and gigs, there’s so much coming up. We give you a sneak peek at the BFI London film festival, Gladiator II, Wicked, the ITV series Joan, Disney+’s Rivals, Janet Jackson at the O2, Dua Lipa at the Royal Albert Hall, through to The Devil Wears Prada musical.For a special treat The Standard’s Head of Culture, Nick Clark, has put together the ultimate autumn culture guide.With a summer of Taylor Swift can the UK’s music scene compete this season?Listen to find out…