The Standard

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.

Cyclists who kill pedestrians by dangerous cycling could now face life imprisonment in England and Wales under proposed changes to the law which are currently going through Parliament.  The London Standard’s Melanie McDonagh, who has herself been knocked down by a cyclist in the city, is here to tell us how the law has been amended and whether she thinks there’s still more to be done when it comes to road safety for both pedestrians and cyclists.  And in part two, as the London Marathon turns 45 this weekend, it hopes to celebrate by breaking a new world record. The London Standard’s sport writer, Malik Ouzia, is here to tell us how it could happen.

Hackney Council has agreed plans to close four schools in the borough at the end of the school year, and more boroughs look to be following suit including neighbouring Islington where parents are anxiously awaiting an update on the potential closure of a further two primary schools in the area.  We join the London Standard’s Jacob Phillips who has been reporting on the story plus we hear from Rosie Turvey, a London parent who has concerns about her own children’s school. And in part two, do you prefer Forest, Lime or Boris?  With around 50,000 hire bikes available across the capital, The London Standard City Hall and Transport Editor, and keen cyclist, Ross Lydall, has been out testing the options and joins us with his review. 

After signs of recovery last week, new data is painting a far gloomier picture for the global economy. The London Standard’s business editor Jonathan Prynn explains how Donald Trump’s tariffs are sparking fears of a worldwide recession and what it all means for the UK.Plus, The London Standard’s features writer and columnist Maddy Mussen joins us to discuss the latest Beckham family drama being played out by what is (and isn't) being posted on social media.

With the announcement that the funeral of Pope Francis will take place at the Vatican this Saturday, the London Standard’s Melanie McDonagh joins us to explain some of the customs and traditions which are taking place during this time and explore who could be named as the next pope.And in part two, as Beyoncé’s mum, Tina Knowles, releases her memoir, ‘Matriarch’, what will we learn about the roots of one of music’s most successful artists? The Standard’s Culture and Lifestyle writer, India Block, is here to give us the lowdown.

Although Sharia law councils, often referred to as courts, have no legal jurisdiction within the UK, many people of Muslim faith turn to them for guidance on aspects of their everyday lives.With their number in the capital on the rise, award winning journalist, David James Smith, joins us for an in-depth conversation about his special report for The Standard into how these councils operate and whether they best serve those who turn to them for help.

Astronomers believe they have discovered the strongest evidence yet that life may exist on a planet outside our solar system.A group of scientists, led by the University of Cambridge, have published the results of their study in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.One of the co-authors is Dr Subhajit Sarkar, a lecturer and astrophysicist at Cardiff University, and he joins us to explain more about the planet K2-18b, why the team were looking specifically at that part of space and why he thinks it’s only a matter of time before we can confirm alien life.Plus, with the long Easter weekend upon us, The Standard’s Food and Drink writer, Josh Barrie, is on hand with ideas of what to do and where to go in the capital to keep the family entertained.

UK inflation has dropped to 2.6% - the lowest since December. The fall, driven by cheaper fuel and hotel rates, is being hailed as a sign of economic stability. But is this just a blip or a sign that we’re past the cost of living crisis? The Standard’s Business Editor, Jonathan Prynn, explains what it means for wages, interest rates, and the wider economy.Plus, Arsenal face Real Madrid in tonight’s Champions League quarter final tie later. The Standard’s football writer Simon Collings joins us from Spain with team updates, tactical insight, and what’s at stake as the Gunners chase a semi-final place for the first time since 2009.Remember you can follow all the action live via our live blog at standard.co.uk