The Standard

London is consistently ranked as one of the most expensive tourist destinations in the world. It’s set to get even more pricey this year with the introduction of a tourist tax that is predicted to raise £350 million per year. Is implementing an overnight levy the right move for London?To understand why councillors are backing the idea, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Councillor Claire Holland, leader of the London Borough of Lambeth and chair of London Councils. They discuss how much the overnight levy could generate, how the revenue might be distributed, and whether it’s fair to ask tourists to help fund local infrastructure.

Social media is flooded with food influencers hyping up viral dishes and sharing ‘hidden gems’. But rave restaurant reviews come with a cost — often the experience for fellow diners.In this episode, Jeremy King tells The Standard about the behaviour of certain influencers in The Park, and the new policy he has put in place to thwart disruptive content creation. Plus, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard’s Going Out editor and restaurant critic, David Ellis, for his take on whether influencers help or harm restaurants.

Many of the 5.8 million Brits who took out a Plan 2 student loan over the past decade are now facing astonishing levels of debt, and the government’s latest salary threshold freeze will nudge more graduates into repaying more than ever. So, is it high time the system had a shake up?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard’s editor of the Londoner’s Diary and features writer, Claudia Cockerell, to discuss recent controversies around the student loans system, and untangle the soaring interest rate levels on repayment plans. Plus, Tamara speaks to the founder of Rethink Repayment, Oliver Gardner, who is calling on the government to reform student loan repayment plans to make the system work better for graduates — and the economy.

Liverpool Street Station has had a major redevelopment plan green-lit by the City Corporation this week. The scheme would be mostly funded by office space situated in a new 320ft tall tower block, much to the dismay of Victorian heritage enthusiasts. Was this the right call?In this episode of The Standard, host Tamara Kormornick sits down with the Standard’s City Hall and Transport Editor, Ross Lydall, to unpick why the merits and downfalls of the application, and why the plans have caused such uproar.

Emerald Fennel’s sizzling film adaptation of Emily Bronte’s canonical novel has divided critics ahead of its public release on Saturday 14.In this episode of The Standard, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to the Standard’s culture and lifestyle writer, India Block, about the gothic-inspired romance starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, from Fennel’s controversial creative choices to Charli XCX’s unexpected soundtrack.

Valentine’s Day is notoriously easy to get wrong — from forgettable restaurants to naff gifts. This year, the pressure is even more intense, as Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard’s Going Out editor, David Ellis, and food and drink writer, Josh Barrie, to get their recommendations on where to eat — and not eat — on Valentine’s Day. Plus, Tamara sits down with the Standard’s shopping editor Abha Shah, to hear her take on elevated gifts that actually feel special.

Londoners are using cocaine more than ever, and men’s usage tips the scales two-to-one. So, why is London the ‘cocaine capital’ of Europe?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to freelance journalist Jordan Page, who recently investigated the capital’s latest Class A drug epidemic. They talk about how London’s pub culture intersects with the city’s cocaine habits, and why men in particular are using the drug more than ever.

It’s been a trying week for the Prime Minister. Allegations surrounding Lord Peter Mandelson have angered many within the party, and raised fresh questions about Keir Starmer’s authority. Should Labour be panicking?In this episode, The Standard's political editor Nic Cecil speaks with Baroness Ayesha Hazarika, former advisor to senior Labour politicians, who worked closely with Peter Mandelson over the past couple of decades. She reflects on what it was like to work with him, the current mood inside the Labour Party, and the risks Labour could face if it triggers a leadership contest in the near future.

For this episode of Brave New World, Evgeny is joined by psychologist, author, and researcher Dr Jim Fadiman, a central figure in the modern understanding of psychedelics, who also goes by the “father of microdosing”.Drawing on decades of research and thousands of user reports, the conversation traces the history of psychedelics - from early scientific study in the 1950s and 60s, through prohibition, to today’s renewed interest in clinical and psychiatric settings. Jim discusses why most formal research has focused on high doses, how observational reports have shaped microdosing research, where evidence is strongest and still emerging.Evgeny and Jim look ahead to the future of psychedelics in medicine, the balance between scientific caution and public interest, and what a first step might look like for someone curious but sceptical.