The Standard

Britain’s economy made a welcome return to growth in August after a pick up on the high street and in factories helped drive overall GDP.The London Standard’s business editor Jonathan Prynn reports that output was up by 0.2 per cent in the month following two months of flatlining in June and July, that’s according to latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.It comes a fortnight before Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveils the Labour government’s first budget. Jonathan joins us with an analysis of the data and also discusses the significance of Santander withdrawing its cheapest mortgage deal - what does it signal?In part two, The London Standard’s beauty and wellness editor Madeleine Spencer on secrets from world’s best wellness clinics - that you can try at home - as the nights draw in and the capital’s cold, drying air whistles over our skin.We also discuss the wellbeing weapons deployed by supermodel Kate Moss, plus, the importance of a boiled egg and a good stretch.

Flights from Britain to Florida have been cancelled as the US state braces for what President Joe Biden warned could be the worst storm in a century.Approaching Category Five Hurricane Milton - just a fortnight after Category Four Hurricane Helene - has brought widespread disruption to the Sunshine State as officials urge residents to follow evacuation orders and airports, including Tampa International and Orlando, have temporarily closed.As this episode of The Standard podcast went live, millions of Floridians were in a race against time to evacuate before the hurricane makes landfall on Wednesday night at speeds of 155mph with 15ft-high storm surges expected.The Standard podcast is joined from Orlando by Jonathan Alingu, co-executive director of Central Florida Jobs With Justice, who explains how Floridans are preparing.In part two, Frieze art fair is back in its huge tent in Regent’s Park for the 21st year and we look at some of the highlights from this celebrated fixture in London’s cultural calendar, with The Standard’s head of culture, Nick Clark.

Transport secretary Louise Haigh has signalled the HS2 high-speed line will terminate in central London.She told Times Radio on Tuesday an announcement would be made soon on the controversial under-construction route from Birmingham into the capital - that’s expected at the Budget on October 30.There was uncertainty over HS2’s final stop amid funding worries and whether it would instead be at Old Oak Common further to the west of London.We’re joined by The Standard’s political editor Nicholas Cecil to discuss the project - forecast to cost over £66 billion - plus, rail nationalisation plans and government assurances over pensioners’ free bus passes.In part two, water companies in England and Wales have been hit with penalties of nearly £158 after regulator Ofwat published its annual performance report into the sector - and they’ve been told to knock the money off customers’ bills.The report revealed firms continue to miss targets on pollution, leaks and customer satisfaction. To find out what this means for consumers and discuss the impact of water privatisation, we’re joined by Dr Eleanor Shearer, senior research fellow at the Common Wealth think tank.

This October 7 marks one year from devastating terror attacks on Israel that set in motion a series of events plunging the Middle East into crisis.Hamas gunmen launched surprise cross-border raids from the Gaza Strip during the Jewish new year holiday of Rosh Hashanah, leaving with more than 1,200 Israelis killed and at least 250 hostages taken.Hostilities mushroomed to claim over 40,000 Palestinian lives, with Hezbollah in Lebanon and then Iran pushing into the conflict.In Britain, the 7 October attacks, were followed by a huge increase in antisemitism and anti-Muslim abuse.As vigils mark this sombre day, The Standard podcast hear reflections from Marie van der Zyl, World Jewish Congress commissioner for gender inclusion and equality, and former president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews.In part two, The Standard’s deputy political editor Jitendra Joshi discusses the weekend departure of Sue Gray, Sir Keir Starmer’s controversial chief of staff, and her successor at No.10, Labour’s election guru Morgan McSweeney.

Why fly when you can take the train? In this episode Sustainable travel expert Juliet Kinsman and journalist Jon Weeks explore the best places to travel to by train and why, including Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden & Scotland. Find out when trains truly are the best option for your trip, and why the pros of travelling along the tracks often outweigh the cons of flying.Tine Murn the former director of the Slovenian tourism board explains his romantic view of train travel, and creating his own office among views of the alps in a comfortable carriage and incredible.Plus, executive producer of Green Traveller productions Richard Hammond explains the 'rail renaissance' underway in Europe, and explains how rail and coach travel is better for the planet and your pocket.Plus, find out what else we're exploring as part of our Sustainable Travel campaign here.Follow us on X or on Threads.

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.