The Standard

Cabinet minister Bridget Phillipson stressed Britain was giving “full backing” to Ukraine amid a report that it will join America in allowing Kyiv to fire West-supplied long-range missiles into Russia.Outgoing US president Joe Biden’s decision could see long-range missiles used initially in the Kursk region of Russia, where Ukrainian troops seized a swathe of territory in a surprise attack in the summer - ahead of Donald Trump taking office in January.So, where does this leave British policy now, after many months of holding off approval for its version of the American ATACMS weapons, known as Storm Shadow?We’re joined from Parliament by The London Standard’s political editor Nicholas Cecil. In part two, we speak with Erik Gauger, professor in quantum theory at Heriot-Watt university’s Institute of Photonics and quantum sciences in Edinburgh, about an innovative space energy project.Researchers are seeking to use bacteria more usually found in ponds on earth help convert sunlight into laser beams to send power across space- could the technology be used on future Mars missions? 

Evgeny Lebedev joins Dr Aubrey de Grey, a pioneer in biomedical gerontology - the study of life extension and rejuvenation - and co-founder of the SENS Research Foundation.Known for his radical approach to ageing, Dr de Grey discusses his latest research, society’s attitude to the human lifespan and his hopes for future anti-ageing treatments. 

The temperature in London next week is set to plummet into chilly single digits.But what effect is this cold weather having on our brains - and what can we do to keep our wellbeing levels topped up as the mercury drops, stave off seasonal depression and ensure our bodies enjoy a regular rest pattern in order to reboot effectively?It comes after the ‘anticyclonic gloom’ loomed over the capital, when fog and grey clouds blotted out the sun.Rachelle Abbott asked neuroscientist Dr Henry Mahncke, chief executive of ‘brain fitness’ platform BrainHQ, about winter’s impact on the brain and our mental health.You’ll also hear Dr Mahncke’s top tips for boosting mood and staying more balanced during the colder months.

Today marks the launch of The London Standard’s 2024 Winter Appeal, in collaboration with Comic Relief. The campaign’s aim is to help organisations in London and across the UK that support refugees and homeless people. In this episode we’re joined by our campaigns editor, David Cohen, and CEO of Comic Relief, Samir Patel.We also hear of Claude's story. One of the organisations we are backing is The Running Charity, which uses the power of running to help both refugees and those who are homeless to build mental health, confidence and fitness — and where Claude now works as programme manager and head coach. The group will be given a grant of £50,000 to assist its work of mentoring more than 120 vulnerable people aged 16 to 25 each year.To make a donation, visit comicrelief.com/winter.

Victims of the Church of England’s worst ever child abuser have demanded further resignations after the Archbishop of Canterbury quit in ‘shame’ over the scandal.Justin Welby had been under days of pressure after a damning review into attacks by barrister John Smyth QC - who died in South Africa 2018 - that found he may have been brought to justice had Welby formally alerted authorities in 2013.Over decades from the 1970s, Smyth, a lay church reader, subjected as many as 130 boys and young men in the UK and Africa to sadistic physical, sexual and psychological attacks, the independent Makin review found.So, why did the scandal take so long to come to light, what are the victims calling for, and what is future for the Church of England?We’re joined by Melanie McDonagh, a columnist at The London Standard, and a leader writer at the Catholic Herald.In part two, president-elect Donald Trump has handed Elon Musk the job of running a new Department of Government Efficiency, as part of his new cabinet.The London Standard’s deputy political editor Jitendra Joshi discusses the focus of Musk’s new role and whether there are potential conflicts of interest.

The second incarnation of president-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet is taking shape.The London Standard’s deputy political editor Jitendra Joshi reports on Tuesday that Team Trump 2.0 ushers in potentially dismal consequences for Ukraine, illegal immigrants and the global climate.Trump has already announced a few cabinet-level appointments - so, who’s in?Joshi joins us to discuss what we know about the Republican president-elect’s appointments so far, and whether there’s anyone who could be considered a voice of American unity in Trump’s new inner circle.In part two, as The London Standard’s transport editor Ross Lydall reports that buses in central London are now nudging below 7mph - as detailed in London TravelWatch data - so, how is this impacting passenger journeys, now slower than a decade ago?We also discuss the various factors contributing congestion, including on-demand minicabs and internet deliveries, plus whether cycle lanes impact traffic flow.

Sir Keir Starmer joined French president Emmanuel Macron for Armistice Day commemorations in Paris - the first time a British leader attended the remembrance event in the French capital since Winston Churchill with Charles de Gaulle in 1944.They met French and British veterans as part of commemorations for the 106th anniversary of the 1918 Armistice, with services held across the UK following Remembrance Sunday.The London Standard’s political editor Nicholas Cecil discusses the significance of Sir Keir’s Paris visit, bilateral defence talks and the current health L’Entente Cordiale.In part two, thousands of delegates are heading to Baku in Azerbaijan for the Cop29 climate summit, where politicians face pressure over delivering finance for developing countries to cope with climate change, and increasing their ambitions on emissions cuts. The Standard podcast is joined by Simon Lewis, professor of global change science at UCL, to discuss the summit goals, its controversial host, the importance of climate multilateralism and why the UK’s Cop29 involvement under Labour marks a “sea-change” from the Conservatives’ environmental outlook.

Nicola Barron delves into the fascinating world of negotiation with Simon Horton, a globally recognised negotiation skills trainer. In this episode, Simon shares strategies for achieving win-win outcomes, building trust, and knowing when to walk away. Simon reveals the secrets to effective negotiation that you can use in both personal and professional settings.  

The Standard’s lifestyle and culture writer, India Block, has been looking into the growing problem of ‘mankeeping’. A new term from Stanford researchers which describes how women are bearing the brunt when it comes to male loneliness. In part two, our Deputy Political Editor, Jitendra Joshi, explains everything you need to know about Susie Wells, Donald Trump’s first appointment and the first female chief of staff. Plus he discusses the rumours about whether Elon Musk could be getting a role in Trump’s new administration.