What next for Venezuela

Will captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro get a fair trial in the US? Who is driving American foreign policy? How would Trump’s supporters view a military campaign? Jasper Corbett is joined by The Observer’s Washington Correspondent Hugh Tomlinson, Reporter Phoebe Davis, and lawyer Robert McWhirtle as they give their assessment on the situation in Venezuela. **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Jasper Corbett Producer: Poppy Bullard Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett To find out more about The Observer: Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

2026 Predictions

Will the world turn against AI? Could the England men’s team finally win the World Cup? And who is the mysterious backbencher preparing to challenge Keir Starmer? Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s consulting editor for comment, Erica Wagner; deputy sports editor, Andrew Butler; and Whitehall editor, Cat Neilan, as they look ahead to the stories set to shape 2026. **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Rebecca Moore Producer: Casey Magloire and Poppy Bullard Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore To find out more about The Observer: Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Palestine Action hunger strikers

Will European countries decide to give billions of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine? What did we learn about Trump’s White House from Vanity Fair’s 11 months of reporting? How should the government respond to the Palestine Action hunger strikers? Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Senior Producer Katie Gunning, Data and Graphics Editor Katie Riley, and Data Reporter Hannah Schuller as they battle it out for the top story of the day. Find the team’s must reads: All Cock, No Wok **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Giles Whittell Producer: Poppy Bullard Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore To find out more about The Observer: Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Terror attack at Bondi Beach

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the shooting attack at Bondi Beach, Sydney, an act of terrorism and anti-semitism. The Washington Post has introduced AI-generated podcasts, and pro-democracy Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai has been found guilty of national security offences. Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s technology reporter Patricia Clarke, senior researcher Serena Cesareo, and our very own producer Casey Magloire, as they battle it out to pitch the top stories of the day. **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Rebecca Moore Producer: Amalie Sortland Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett To find out more about The Observer: Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

“Day Zero” in Tehran

The Iranian leader said the water problem in the capital “cannot be solved” and has suggested evacuating the city’s nearly ten million residents. Iran and Egypt, two countries that criminalise homosexuality, were picked to play the World Cup’s Pride Match in Seattle. And some councils are now regularly paying more than £250,000 a year to support children with special educational needs. Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer reporters Jon Ungoed-Thomas and Jessy Parker Humphreys, and Fronts Editor Evan Moffitt, as they battle it out to pitch the top stories of the day. **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Rebecca Moore Producer: Amalie Sortland Executive Producer: Gary Marshall To find out more about The Observer: Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Netflix - Warner Bros

Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros. - including its film and television studios, HBO Max, and HBO - is set to have major ripple effects on both TV and cinema. Meanwhile, the Kremlin is applauding the Trump administration’s newly released national security strategy. Why is Moscow welcoming it? A border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is turning deadly. How are natural resources fuelling the tension? Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer reporters Hannah Schuller and Stephen Armstrong, and Senior Writer Francisco Garcia, as they battle it out to pitch the top stories of the day. **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Giles Whittell Producer: Amalie Sortland Executive Producers: Rebecca Moore & Jasper Corbett To find out more about The Observer: Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Wes Streeting has launched a review into ADHD and autism diagnoses

Will the next men’s football World Cup be the most politically tense in history? Did we learn anything from the latest round of peace talks between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump’s envoys? Is overdiagnosis of conditions like Autism and ADHD leading to worse outcomes for neurodiverse people? Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Ides and Comment Editor Alex O’Connell, Deputy Sports Editor Andrew Butler, and journalist and author Julia Ioffe as they battle it out to pitch the top stories of the day. Buy Julia Ioffe’s book from the Observer Bookshop: Motherland **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Rebecca Moore Producer: Poppy Bullard Executive Producer: Matt Russell To find out more about The Observer: Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a pardon

Why did Prime Minister Keir Starmer decide to defend himself and the Chancellor over last week’s budget? Rightwing activist and regular GB News contributor Lucy White claimed Commons deputy speaker Nusrat Ghani should not be allowed in the house because she was born in Pakistan. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked President Isaac Herzog for a pardon in his corruption cases. Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Whitehall editor, Cat Neilan, senior researcher, Serena Cesareo, and producer Poppy Bullard, as they battle it out to pitch the top stories of the day. Find the team’s Must Reads: The Observer’s Global AI Index: https://observer.co.uk/data/global-ai **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Giles Whittell Producer: Amalie Sortland Executive Producers: Rebecca Moore & Gary Marshall To find out more about The Observer: Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Rachel Reeves timid budget

Will the shooting of two National Guards in Washington DC change US politics forever? Should the UK roll out screening for prostate cancer? Did Chancellor Rachel Reeves miss an opportunity to gear up the economy for growth? Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Cat Neilan, Steve Bloomfield and James Tapper, as they battle it out to pitch the top stories of the day. Find the teams Must Reads: Less WFH, more Lime, slower buses **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Rebecca Moore Producer: Poppy Bullard Executive Producer: Matt Russell To find out more about The Observer: Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Jury trials might be scrapped

David Lammy has proposed scrapping jury trials in England and Wales for all but the most serious offences. Paramount Global has obtained exclusive streaming rights to the UEFA Champions League - a move that could redefine how football fans follow the sport in the future. Revelations that MAGA-supporting accounts on X are operated from countries like North Macedonia, Pakistan and Poland raise concerns about foreign-driven influence and its impact on political discourse. Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Head of Investigations Alexi Mostrous, sports reporter Jessy Parker Humphreys, and journalist, author, and presenter Jenny Kleeman as they compete to pitch the day’s top stories. While we’ve wrapped up our live editions of The News Meeting for 2025, keep checking https://observer.co.uk/our-events if you’d like to join us at recordings in 2026. **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Giles Whittell Producer: Amalie Sortland and Poppy Bullard Executive Producers: Matt Russell and Rebecca Moore To find out more about The Observer: Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Ukraine peace talks in Geneva

Did international tourists go on “sniper safaris” to Sarajevo during the siege in the mid-nineties? Why do some campaigners want to halt the new medical trial into the use of puberty blockers? What lies behind renewed efforts to find a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia? Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Stephen Armstrong, Bex Sander and Francisco Garcia, as they battle it out to pitch the top stories of the day. **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Rebecca Moore Producer: Poppy Bullard Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett To find out more about The Observer: Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Russian spy ship near the UK

A Russian spy ship has directed lasers at Royal Air Force pilots monitoring its movements near UK waters. What is President Vladimir Putin trying to achieve with this latest provocation? Scotland has qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Can this rare moment of sporting joy help unite the nation? Meanwhile, councils are weighing up the sale of youth and community centres. What consequences could these closures have for local communities? Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Assistant Sports Editor, Jessica Hayden, Data and Graphics reporter, Becky Pinnington, and Contributing Editor on National Security, Bernard Gray, as they battle it out to pitch the top stories of the day. Get your ticket for the News Meeting Live here: https://observer.co.uk/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-6 **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Giles Whitell Producer: Amalie Sortland Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore To find out more about The Observer: Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Denmark is inspiring Shabana Mahmood’s new asylum policies

The Home Secretary has announced a raft of tough immigration controls to make the UK a less attractive destination for illegal migrants. The former Prime Minister of Bangladesh was sentenced to death, how is the UK connected to alleged corruption in her regime? And why does President Donald Trump suddenly want to release the Epstein files? Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Cat Neilan, Bex Sander and Serena Cesareo, as they battle it out to pitch the top stories of the day. Listen to our Londongrad podcast series: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/londongrad/id1625862285 Get your ticket for the News Meeting Live: https://observer.co.uk/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-6 **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Rebecca Moore Producer: Amalie Sortland Executive Producer: Katie Gunning To find out more about The Observer: Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Donald Trump and the Epstein emails

Twenty thousand documents from the estate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have been released. Could emails referencing Donald Trump divide his loyal MAGA base? Has a No. 10 briefing warning backbenchers about a possible coup exposed a vulnerability in Keir Starmer’s leadership? And Donald Trump has threatened to sue the BBC for $1 billion, but is that even possible? Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Alexi Mostrous, Chloe Hadjimatheou and Poppy Bullard, as they battle it out and pitch the top stories of the day.

Zohran Mamdani takes on President Trump

Why are so many prisoners being released from prison by mistake? What happens if Arts Council England goes under? And what can the Democrats learn from Mamdani’s New York City mayoral election victory? Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Deputy Sports Editor, Andrew Butler, Arts and Media Editor, Vanessa Thorpe, and reporter Jon Ungoed-Thomas as they pitch their top stories of the day. Must Reads: Days of wine and noses: the life of a critic: https://observer.co.uk/style/food/article/days-of-wine-and-noses-the-life-of-a-critic **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Rebecca Moore Producer: Amalie Sortland Executive Producers: Matt Russell and Poppy Bullard To find out more about The Observer: Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Sudan’s civil war: reports of mass killings

Will there be any voter suppression in Tuesday’s US elections? Why did a British university prevent one of its academics from researching human rights abuses in China? Are Sudan’s rebels using British-made equipment on the battlefield? Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Data and Graphics editor, Katie Riley, Senior Audio Producer Katie Gunning, and Senior Researcher Serena Cesareo as they pitch their top stories of the day Must Reads: She Was Ready To Have Her 15th Child. Then The Felony Charges Began. The Great Ghosting Paradox The Cocaine Kingpin Living It Large In Dubai Assata Shakur Obituary **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Giles Whitell Producer: Poppy Bullard Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett To find out more about The Observer: Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

The deadly police raid in Brazil

What do we do with the knowledge that climate change made Hurricane Melissa worse? Why was there such a deadly police raid in Brazil? And why isn’t hospice care treated as an essential part of healthcare?  Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Data and Graphics editor, Katie Riley, and reporters James Tapper and Rachael Healy, as they pitch their top stories of the day. Must Reads: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/11/03/some-people-cant-see-mental-images-the-consequences-are-profound https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/love-sex/relationships/a63915627/political-beliefs-dating-app-experiment/ https://www.premierleague.com/en/ **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk  Follow us on Social Media:  @ObserverUK on X  @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky  Host: Rebecca Moore Producer: Amalie Sortland Executive Producer: Matt Russel

Hurricane Melissa has made landfall in the Caribbean

The storm caused widespread damage in Jamaica and is making its way to Cuba; is climate change to blame for its power? What - or who - is behind Donald Trump’s obsession with Venezuela? Is it good news that a cargo ship has made it through the North East Passage for the first time? Jeevan Vasagar is joined by the Observer’s Erica Wagner, Jessica Hayden and Chloe Hadjimatheou as they pitch their top stories of the day, live from the Observer newsroom.

What Amazon’s outage reveals about who runs the internet

Which international peacekeeping forces might be present in Gaza, and what will their role be? Is the fact that kids on free school meals do worse in their GCSEs a symptom of a failed state? Does the Amazon outage show that the internet is too reliant on a small number of companies? Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Stephen Armstrong, Bex Sander and Ruth Michaelson as they pitch their top story of the day.

Is Vladimir Putin outsmarting Donald Trump?

Trump imposed what he called “tremendous” sanctions on Russia’s two biggest oil companies. What’s next for the Trump-Putin rollercoaster? President Trump is planning to demolish the East Wing of the White House as early as this weekend. Who will pay for this 99,000ft ballroom? Two Metropolitan Police officers have been dismissed for gross misconduct following their appearance in a BBC Panorama undercover investigation that caught serving officers making racist and misogynistic comments. Giles Whittell is joined by journalist and author Ari Shapiro, former US representative to NATO and foreign policy advisor to Barack Obama Ivo Daalder and The Observer’s Jessica Hayden, as they pitch their top story of the day.

What we learned from Virginia Giuffre’s new memoir

Who is responsible for breaking the ceasefire in Gaza? How might the Louvre heist thieves get away with selling jewels belonging to Napoleon’s wife? Does Virginia Giuffre’s memoir shed new light on the allegations against Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and Prince Andrew? Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Phoebe Davis and Stephen Armstrong, and the journalist and author Pete Apps, as they pitch their top story of the day.

Donald Trump’s plans for the World Cup

As more and more people turn to AI for news, how should journalists fight back and protect the human by-line? Will Donald Trump’s cosy relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino allow him to dictate which cities the World Cup will be held in the US? Will the British Museum win its £3.5 million battle to keep a rare gold Tudor Heart pendant? Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Alex O’Connell, Vanessa Thorpe and Jessy Parker Humphreys, as they pitch their top story of the day.

Gaza Special: What's next?

One story is dominating the headlines today: the rapidly unfolding situation in the Middle East. This morning, Hamas released the last 20 living hostages; in return, Israel freed over 1,700 Palestinian detainees. We're devoting the entire episode to the latest from Gaza. Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Narrative Editor Chloe Hadjimatheou and Middle East Correspondent Ruth Michaelson, to answer questions about the first part of Donald Trump’s peace deal in Gaza. **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Rebecca Moore Producer: Amalie Sortland Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett and Matt Russell

Will Trump’s Gaza deal lead to lasting peace in the Middle East?

Why has Donald Trump sent hundreds of National Guards to Illinois? Should the UK look to France when it comes to tackling the far-right? Will the US-backed plan for peace in Gaza work? Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Katie Riley and Poppy Bullard, and David Runciman, Honorary Professor of Politics at Cambridge University and host of the Past, Present, Future podcast, as they pitch their top story of the day.

The government wants the police to have more power to stop protests

Do new oil projects in the Gulf of Mexico signal the end of an international consensus on climate change? Will the Home Office’s new plans to curb protests backfire? Six months on from the Supreme Court ruling, why are the public expected to police each other’s gender? Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Jeevan Vasagar, Ada Barumé and Evan Moffitt as they pitch their top stories of the day.

Manchester synagogue terror attack

Two Jewish people were killed in a terrorist attack at a Manchester synagogue. Did President Trump and Pete Hegseth cross the line with their inflammatory speeches to military generals? And what’s behind the surge in profits at soft toy maker Jellycat? Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Erica Wagner, John Simpson and Sam Freedman, as they pitch their top story of the day.

Labour are trying to win the narrative war on immigration

Will the US ban a safe and legal abortion pill? Is the Met Police full of Freemasons? Can Labour take control of the narrative on immigration? Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Francisco Garcia, Serena Cesareo and Phoebe Davis as they pitch their top story of the day.

Laughwashing in Saudi Arabia

This weekend marks the first-ever Riyadh Comedy Festival, with Jimmy Carr, Aziz Ansari, and Dave Chappelle on the bill. It’s being reported they are each being paid upwards of $375,000 to perform in a country which severely restricts freedom of speech. What does Trump’s cryptic “good luck to all” at the UN really mean for Ukraine - and should we be worried? Is the breakthrough on Huntington’s disease The News Meeting’s first genuinely good news story? Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s International Editor, Steve Bloomfield, and reporters Rachael Healy and James Tapper as they pitch the top story of the day ** Listen to The Observer’s new culture podcast We Have Notes: https://shows.acast.com/we-have-notes-with-liv-little-and-miranda-sawyer **Join us at the next News Meeting Live: https://observer.co.uk/our-events Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Giles Whittell, Deputy Editor-In-Chief Producer: Amalie Sortland Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore To find out more about The Observer: Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

The repercussions of Trump’s autism press conference

This week the President made the erroneous link between pregnant women taking paracetamol to autism. What happens now that trust in basic pain relief is shaken? Has Reform miscalculated with its climate-skeptical stance? And Nike has teamed up with Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS - but is their new campaign crossing the line by sexualising female athletes? Giles Whittell is joined by journalist and author David Aaronovitch, the Observer’s National News Editor Claudia Williams and reporter Jon Ungoed-Thomas as they pitch the top story of the day

What it means to recognise a Palestinian state

Could Tiktok become MAGA-tok? What are the implications of recognising a Palestinian state? Should Rwanda be hosting an international cycling competition? Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Stephen Armstrong, Bex Sander and Serena Cesareo as they pitch their top stories of the day.

Jimmy Kimmel’s cancellation and freedom of speech in Trump’s America

What did we learn from Donald Trump and Keir Starmer’s press conference? Why is Israel invading Gaza City? What does the suspension of the Jimmy Kimmel show tell us about press freedom in America?

How did Gen Z in Nepal overthrow a government?

With young people in Nepal using social media sites like Discord to organise protests, are we witnessing the South Asian Spring? How influential is Elon Musk in British politics following his message to the Unite the Kingdom protestors? And how did the Assad regime systematically steal hundreds of children from their families? Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Patricia Clarke, Chloe Hadjimatheou and Stephen Armstrong, as they each try to pitch the top story of the day.

The consequences of the Charlie Kirk shooting

What does the sacking of Peter Mandelson mean for Keir Starmer? Does Vladimir Putin want war with NATO? Is the UK at risk of an uptick in political violence? Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Jessica Hayden, Katie Gunning and Bernard Gray as they each try to pitch the top story of the day.

Older people are risking arrest for Palestine Action

Why can’t the French government pass a budget? Who will win in the fight for the soul of the Labour Party? Why do pensioners keep being arrested? Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Tom Gatti and Serna Cesareo, as well as the journalist and author Charlie Brinkhurst Cuff, as they each try to pitch the top story of the day.

Why Angela Rayner may resign

Will revelations about Angela Rayner’s taxes be the end of her political career? How will Melvyn Bragg’s exit from In Our Time impact the iconic show? Why did Nigel Farage compare the UK to North Korea in his plea to US politicians? Giles Whittell is joined by the Observer’s Cat Neilan, Paul Hayward and Alex O’Connell as they each try to pitch the top story of the day. Must Reads: 'Jimmy Breslin Essential Writings' **Join us at the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 23rd September at 6:30pm** Rebecca Moore will be joined by David Aaronvitch, Claudia Williams and Jon Ungoed-Thomas. Get your tickets at at: https://observer.co.uk/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-4 **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk** Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Giles Whittell Producer: Casey Magloire and Amalie Sortland Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett and Matt Russell To find out more about The Observer: Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

A new era of global superpowers

Will Afghanistan get the aid it needs? Is China the new America when it comes to globalisation? Could a lawsuit from a dark corner of the internet affect the Online Safety Act? Rebecca Moore is joined by Observer reporters Stephen Armstrong, Phoebe Davis and Bex Sander as they pitch their stop stories of the day.

More journalists killed in Gaza

Will SpaceX’s latest triumph mean Elon Musk will make it to Mars? Why will the price of Mounjaro weightless drugs go up? Benjamin Netanyahu called the IDF’s airstrike on Gaza’s Nasser Hospital a “tragic misstep" but so far 240 Palestinian journalists have died since the beginning of the conflict. Giles Whittell is joined by the Observer’s International Editor, Steve Bloomfield, our Acting National News Editor, Rebecca Myers and reporter, James Tapper, as each try to pitch the top story of the day.

Have the Epping asylum protestors won?

An Essex council has been granted a High Court injunction to stop a local hotel from housing asylum seekers. What is behind the massive growth of Women’s Rugby and support for the Red Roses? Will a tax on tourists help boost local economies and support the arts? Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Ceri Thomas, Vanessa Thorpe and Jessica Hayden, as each try to pitch the top story of the day.

The Zelensky - Trump meeting

Will Zelensky find any success with Trump, in the wake of the Alaska Summit? What does the militarisation of Washington DC tell us about America’s political direction? And why are MPs making TikToks? Rebecca Moore is joined by the Financial Times’ Working It Editor Isabel Berwick, Plus The Observer’s Katie Riley and Stephen Armstrong, as each try to pitch the top story of the day.

The government is at risk of losing public support over Palestine Action

Will facial recognition technology change law enforcement forever? JD Vance has been wooing his British political allies in the Cotswolds, but will a new think-tank deepen US influence in right wing politics? Is the government at risk of losing public support after the Palestine Action arrests? Giles Whittell is joined by the Observer’s Whitehall Editor Cat Neilan, News Reporter Jon Ungoed Thomas and Consulting Editor for Comment, Erica Wagner. The team’s Must Reads and recommendations here: - Blackberry (Netflix) - Violent, lawless, broken Britain? The facts tell a different story (The Times) Host: Giles Whittell, Deputy Editor-In-Chief Producers: Amalie Sortland and Poppy Bullard

Why did Israel target and kill an Al Jazeera journalist?

What proof has Israel provided to support their claim that Anas al Sharif ran a Hamas cell in Gaza? Why has the partnership between Premier League Football and Stonewall ended? And will Putin’s visit to the US bring an end to the war in Ukraine? Giles Whittell is joined by NPR’s International Correspondent, Lauren Frayer. Plus the Observer’s Serena Cesareo and Jessy Parker Humphreys, as they battle it out and pitch the top stories of the day.

Brigitte Macron sues conspiracy theorist Candace Owens

Is it wrong for the government to ask police to release information on the ethnicity and immigration status of crime suspects? As countries gather for the UN plastics summit, just how much of our lives are contaminated by plastic? Who is the YouTuber behind the misinformation campaign targeting France’s First Lady?

Are we in a “Hot Reform Summer”?

Why has Israel launched a new air and ground offensive in Gaza, where many international aid organisations are operating? Will plans to overhaul the water companies in England and Wales work? And why is Donald Trump suing Rupert Murdoch? Jasper Corbett is joined by The Observer’s Head of Data and Graphics, Katie Riley, researcher Serena Cesareo, and reporter Stephen Armstrong.

Has Nigel Farage and the Reform Party successfully dominated the summer?

As the UK Parliament takes its summer break, has Reform seized the media spotlight and emerged as a viable third-party contender? What are the risks of uploading ID to age-restricted websites under the Online Safety Act? Will Trump impose his peace deal deadline on Russia if Putin refuses negotiations? Rebecca Moore is joined by The New Statesman’s Associate Political Editor, Rachel Cunliffe. Plus the Observer’s Poppy Bullard and Patricia Clarke, as they battle it out and pitch the top stories of the day.

Does UK recognition change anything in Gaza?

Is the UK’s decision to conditionally recognise the state of Palestine more symbolic than practical? As protests in Epping continue, how is rhetoric around asylum seekers impacting children from ethnic minority backgrounds? Now that the Lionesses have won the Euros for a second time, is this confirmation that the hard work put into the women’s game has paid off? Giles Whittell is joined by ITV News Presenter and Loose Women panellist Charlene White. Plus, the Observer’s narrative editor Chloe Hadjimatheou and Deputy Sports Editor, Andrew Butler.

What do the anti-immigration protests tell us about British politics?

Are Labour’s concerns about social cohesion a sign that they may be aligning with some of Reforms ideas on immigration? Why does Kemi Badenoch want to outlaw doctors’ strikes? And are the latest aid drops in Gaza a sign of change to come? Jasper Corbett is joined by journalist and broadcaster David Aaronovitch. Plus, the Observer reporter Stephen Armstrong and senior producer Katie Gunning.

Has Football Already Come Home?

Is Belgium paving the way for more international action over Gaza? Have the Lionesses paved the way for a permanent change in English football culture? What’s going on at Unite?

Why Israel launched a new offensive on Deir al-Balah in Gaza

Also in this episode: will plans to overhaul the water companies in England and Wales work? And why is Trump suing Rupert Murdoch?

Why Trump won’t release the Epstein files

Will the conspiracy theories about Jeffrey Epstein divide Trump from his MAGA supporters? Can British culture accept genetically modifying embryos to prevent serious diseases? And why have we only just learned of the data breach involving Afghan refugees? Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Head of Audio Jasper Corbett, reporter Phoebe Davis and producer Poppy Bullard.

What’s fueling a rise in measles cases in the UK?

Is climate politics full of hot air? What’s next for the government’s Prevent scheme? What’s behind falling vaccine rates in some parts of the country? Rebecca Moore is joined by a trio of Observer reporters: Whitehall editor Catherine Neilan, senior audio producer Katie Gunning and senior writer Francisco Garcia.

The Salt Path Controversy: Behind the scenes

The Observer recently published a major investigation into the bestselling memoir The Salt Path. In this special episode, Giles Whittell is joined by the journalist behind the story, Chloe Hadjimatheou, and her editor, Alexi Mostrous, to discuss how the investigation unfolded. To read Chloe’s piece click here. To read Raynor Winn’s rebuttal, click here. To listen to the episode of The Sensemaker outlining Chloe’s piece, click here. **Join us at the News Meeting Live: LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 29th July - with ITV News presenter Charlene White. Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Giles Whittell, Deputy Editor Producer: Poppy Bullard Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Will Starmer and Macron make a deal on small boats?

Are Britain and France on the cusp of yet another agreement over small boats? Could the Texan floods have been prevented? Can women trust the justice system? Rebecca Moore is joined by Observer reporters Phoebe Davies and Serena Cesareo, and the journalist and author Jenny Evans, whose book Don’t Let It Break You, Honey details her experience being assaulted by a high profile figure, and her subsequent fight to find out why details of her ordeal made it into the tabloids. You can buy Don’t Let It Break You, Honey HERE **Join us at the News Meeting Live: LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 29th July - with ITV News presenter Charlene White. Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Rebecca Moore, Executive Producer Producer: Poppy Bullard Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett, Head of Audio To find out more about The Observer: Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Who is the tech billionaire cosying up to Donald Trump?

Is Keir Starmer facing his most significant rebellion yet? Why is Chinese billionaire Justin Sun being accused of buying access to Donald Trump? And what should Health Secretary Wes Streeting focus on if he wants to fix the NHS? Rebecca Moore is joined by host of the Westminster Insider podcast Sascha O’Sullivan, alongside The Observer’s Patricia Clarke and Jon Ungoed-Thomas, as they battle it out and pitch the top stories of the day.

What next for Iran?

Has Netanyahu got the Middle East exactly where he wants it? How will Iran respond to the US strikes on its nuclear facilities? Will the the conflict in the region change British politics forever? Rebecca Moore is joined by the journalists Rana Rahimpour and Jotam Confino, and former advisor to Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, as they battle it out for the top story of the day.

Will the MAGA split prevent a US war with Iran?

Is Ayatollah Khamenei becoming increasingly isolated? Who’s got Donald Trump’s ear in the decision to strike Iran? How can we find out what’s happening on the ground in Gaza? Jess Winch is joined by the Observer’s Head of Audio Jasper Corbett, journalist Rana Rahimpour and the author of Prisoners of Geography, Tim Marshall, as they battle it out for the top story of the day.

What happens if the Iranian regime falls?

Could the latest developments in Iran and Israel end the Cold War of the Middle East? Why has it taken 40 years to start the process of identifying the bodies of 800 unknown babies in Ireland? And will President Trump’s MAGA support base buy into his family’s latest venture? Rebecca Moore is joined by the Observer’s managing editor Jess Winch, NPR’s Lauren Frayer and co-host of Good Bad Billionaire Zing Tsjeng, as they battle it out for the top story of the day.

What Netanyahu wants Trump to do about Iran

In this special episode of The News Meeting, Jess Winch is joined by Jerusalem-based reporter Noga Tarnopolsky, along with The Observer’s Chloe Hadjimatheou and Stephen Armstrong. Together, they unpack the Middle East conflict through the perspectives of America, Israel and Iran.

Why is Israel striking Iran?

OpenAI’s Sam Altman self-publishes chat GPT’s water and energy consumption for the first time, but how can tech companies continue to expand in a more sustainable way? How will RFK Jr’s appointment of known anti-vaxers to the CDC panel shape vaccination policy in the US? And are generational labels a problematic myth? Following Israeli strikes on Iran, The Observer’s Chloe Hadjimatheou and Jess Winch discuss the latest developments in the Middle East. Then, Jess Winch is joined by award winning journalist and best selling author of Empire of AI Karen Hao; plus, The Observer’s Alexi Mostrous and James Tapper, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

Why has Trump turned Los Angeles into a battleground?

What’s behind Trump’s latest travel ban?

Why has the American Evangelical leader Johnnie Moore been chosen to chair the Gaza Humanitarian Fund? How will slipping data collection standards in the US undermine critics of the Trump administration? What is the rationale behind President Donald Trump’s latest travel ban placed on 12 countries? Giles Whittell is joined by journalist Anu Anand, along with The Observer’s Katie Riley and Jasper Corbett, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

Why is David Attenborough warning us about ocean trawling?

In his stark new film on the fishing industry, David Attenborough warns we're "almost out of time" to save the oceans. Are Nigel Farage’s calls to change UK abortion laws the start of a new culture war? And with Thames Water in crisis, should the government step in? James Harding is joined by Pod Save the UK’s Coco Khan, along with The Observer’s Basia Cummings and Miranda Sawyer, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

Is Ukraine's audacious drone attack on Russia a game changer?

The UK government’s new Strategic Defence Review says it’s time for British citizens to step up. In southern Gaza, the Red Cross says 21 people were “declared dead on arrival” at a field hospital after an incident near an aid distribution centre. And could Ukraine’s Operation Spider’s Web change the face of modern warfare?

How is for-profit aid shaping the humanitarian crisis in Gaza?

If the book is good, do we care if it was written by AI? Should we be concerned by the distribution of aid in Gaza by non-UN services? A team of British climbers recently reached Everest’s summit in just five days after using xenon gas to boost performance. Does this kind of enhancement challenge traditional ideas of mountaineering achievement? Giles Whittell is joined by author, political adviser, and foreign policy specialist Chloe Dalton along with the Observer’s Claudia Williams and Vanessa Thorpe, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

Is Elon Musk behind Trump’s ‘white genocide’ claims?

What links Elon Musk’s business ties in South Africa to the US president’s attack on Cyril Ramaphosa? Will AI hit women in the workforce hardest? And could the case of Adriana Smith - a brain-dead pregnant woman being kept alive because she’s pregnant - reshape abortion laws in states like Georgia? Giles Whittell is joined by writer and journalist Marisa Bate, along with Observer reporters Stephen Armstrong and Phoebe Davis, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

Did Democrats try to hide Joe Biden’s deteriorating health?

Alex Thompson and Jake Tapper’s book, Original Sin alleges that officials working for Biden’s administration tried to keep what they describe as the president’s mental decline hidden. Is the media guilty of sensationalising Cassie Ventura’s testimony and the trial involving Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs? Why are changes to the fisheries policies between the EU and UK causing such a fuss? Giles Whittell is joined by Anu Anand, Stephen Armstrong and Patricia Clarke as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

Bradley Wiggins admits he was a cocaine addict. What does his struggle with drugs tell us about retired athlete care?

Why did Bradley Wiggins seek advice from disgraced former cyclist Lance Armstrong to help him recover from cocaine addiction?What does the indictment of a US judge tell us about President Trump’s plans to take on the judiciary? How is a law from the 1800s being used to criminalise women who have abortions in 2025? Jess Winch is joined by Marie Le Conte, Rowan Moore and Andrew Butler, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

What will Keir Starmer’s closer relationship with the EU look like?

Is youth mobility on the cards for Labour’s post-Brexit plan with Europe? Why is it so hard to record incidents of spiking? How will Labour’s immigration plan affect international students and higher education? Giles Whittell is joined by Rebecca Myers, Katie Riley and Cat Neilan, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

Why are the Qataris reportedly gifting Donald Trump a $400mn jumbo jet?

How will Labour’s immigration legislation affect the UK’s care sector? What are the potential conflicts of interests if Trump accepts a jet from Qatar? The Indian Premier League is set to return after the competition was suspended amid rising tension in Kashmir, but what does this tell us about India's power in international cricket? Rebecca Moore is joined by Orwell Prize winning Pete Apps, alongside The Observer’s Patricia Clarke and Jessy Parker Humphreys, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

Are India and Pakistan on the brink of all out war?

As tensions rise between the two nuclear powers and US remains noticeably missing from the world stage, who will be the guarantor of peace between India and Pakistan? What does the new US-UK trade deal tell us about the new world order? Elon Musk is stepping away from Doge, was his time in government a success or costly failure? Jess Winch is joined by author Quinn Slobodian and The Observer’s Rebecca Moore and Jasper Corbett, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

Ozempic weddings: What are the risks of slimming down for the big day?

Why are there calls to return British art like the original Winnie-the-Pooh doll from America to the UK? Trump and Zelensky have finally signed the US-Ukraine mineral deal, but who is the real winner? With wedding season approaching, what lengths are people willing to take to look slimmer on the big day? Rebecca Moore is joined by Jeevan Vasagar, James Tapper and Vanessa Thorpe, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

Why do we lose our local parks to festivals every summer?

What do councils do with the money they get from renting public spaces out for festivals? How will the Supreme Court’s ruling on the definition of a woman impact our day-to-day lives? And North Korea has confirmed it sent troops to fight alongside Russia in Ukraine. Giles Whittell is joined by Rebecca Moore, Chloe Hadjimatheou and Miranda Sawyer as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

Is Trump losing patience with Putin?

Donald Trump has failed to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, how frustrated is he with Russia’s latest round of attacks on Kyiv? Ofcom published its news set of rules tech firms must comply with - or else. And how have the devastating attacks in Kashmir reignited tensions between India and Pakistan? Giles Whittell is joined by Rebecca Moore, Stephen Armstrong and Cat Neilan, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

The government’s race to save British Steel

What does the government’s takeover of the Scunthorpe steelworks mean for the future of UK industry? Why is a bin strike in Birmingham exposing deep cracks in Britain’s social fabric? And who’s paying the price for Trump’s cuts to US foreign aid? Rebecca Moore is joined by Katie Gunning, Stephen Armstrong and NPR’s Lauren Frayer as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

What’s behind the allegations of insider trading following Trump’s tariff U-turn?

A few hours before he announced a 90-day pause on tariffs, the president posted “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!! DJT” on social media. Why has this led to accusations he manipulated the market for his own gain? The popularity of companion AI chatbots is rapidly increasing, but what safety nets are in place to protect young people? How have Big Law firms in America reacted to Trump 2.0? Rebecca Moore is joined by Hashi Mohamed, Patricia Clarke and Katie Riley, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

Global stock markets tumble as countries react to Trump’s tariffs

The United Nations says 15 medics have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, could this mark a turning point in how the West responds to the war? Is Keir Starmer right to suggest Donald Trump’s tariffs spell the end of globalisation? And with trillions wiped off global markets, will the President retreat from his punchy new policy? Giles Whittell is joined by Jasper Corbett, Chloe Hadjimatheou and Cat Neilan, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

Are Trump’s tariffs the beginning of the end for the global economic order?

Will President Trump’s global tariff hike force countries to forge new alliances beyond the US? What is the government’s plan to tackle the problems involving young boys in Netflix’s Adolescence? And why are doctors sounding the alarm over the return of Victorian-era diseases?

Deborah Frances-White on renters’ rights and the earthquake in Myanmar

One of the largest earthquakes in decades has wrecked parts of Myanmar, but how does a country still grappling with civil war and military rule handle a natural disaster of this scale? The Guardian investigates why senior Tory Lords and MPs are lobbying to thwart the renters’ reform bill. What does Prince Harry’s bullying allegations, brought forward by his former charity chief, reveal about the way we provide aid? Basia Cummings is joined by the Guilty Feminist’s Deborah Frances-White, plus Tortoise’s Katie Riley and Claudia Williams, as they battle it out to pitch the top story of the day.

How did Trump’s top officials accidentally invite a journalist into their group chat?

Will there be any repercussions after top US security officials accidentally added the editor of the Atlantic to a Signal group used to plan airstrikes in Yemen? New government, new Spring Statement, but is this the same old politics? And why we need to talk about the growing fashion scene in Bath. Giles Whittell is joined by journalist Anu Anand, Bath Spa University Chancellor Sharanjit Leyl and Tortoise’s Chloe Hadjimatheou, as they battle it out and try to pitch the top story of the day.

Yalda Hakim on war with China and why did a fire shut down Heathrow airport?

Have the disruptions at Heathrow airport revealed key weaknesses in the UK’s infrastructure? Is the US looking to pull out of Ukraine so it can focus on a potential war with China? And what will happen to millions of people’s genetic data now that 23andMe has declared bankruptcy? Giles Whittell is joined by Sky News’ Yalda Hakim, alongside Tortoise’s Patricia Clarke and Cat Neilan, as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news.

Are there plans to remove 2 million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip?

What is President Trump’s “voluntary transfer plan” for Gaza residents? As Trump clashes with a federal judge over mass deportation, is the Supreme Court willing to stand up to the President? Who were the Navajo code talkers, and why was their wartime legacy briefly erased from US military websites? Jess Winch is joined by Tortoise’s Katie Riley, Chloe Hadjimatheou and Jasper Corbett, as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news.

How did Trump deport hundreds to a prison in El Salvador despite a judge’s order?

Are welfare reforms Labour’s only hope of saving money ahead of the Spring Statement? Who are the hundreds of Venezuelans who have been forcibly removed from the US?And what is the media getting wrong when it comes to reporting on femicide by an intimate partner? Giles Whittell is joined by Media Storm podcast hosts Mathilda Mallinson and Helena Wadia, along with Claudia Williams from Tortoise, as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news.

The Young Turks’ Cenk Uygur discusses the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil and what this means for free speech in America

Is the arrest and potential deportation of Mahmoud Khalil evidence that Donald Trump will use cancel culture against his loudest critics? If misogyny is a political ideology, should the Southport murderer's crime be classed as terrorism? Why health professionals are struggling to treat teenagers addicted to vaping. Giles Whittell is joined by founder and host of The Young Turks, Cenk Uygur. Plus, Tortoise’s Katie Riley and Claudia Williams, as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news.

Why the King wants you to listen to Bob Marley and Reform’s civil war escalates

Is King Charles’ new Apple playlist a savvy PR move or just a bid for relevance? Mark Carney is Canada's new prime minister; are technocrats the best leaders to combat Trump 2.0? How will the Reform party’s internal battle impact the next British election? Jeevan Vasagar is joined by Orwell Prize-winning author and Inside Housing contributing editor, Pete Apps. Plus,Tortoise’s Katie Riley and Katie Gunning as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news.

Should Europe seize $220bn in frozen Russian assets and why an Alaskan dog sled race just got even longer?

Could Europe unlock frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s fight against Putin? Why Elon Musk’s DOGE remains a mystery despite promises of transparency. And how climate change is reshaping Alaska’s iconic dog sled race. Jasper Corbett is joined by Tortoise’s Chloe Hadjimatheou, Patricia Clarke and Katie Riley as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news.

Trump ambushes Zelensky and Starmer takes the lead

After a frantic weekend of diplomatic chess, has Sir Keir Starmer emerged as the new leader of Europe? Will Israel agree to enact the second stage of the ceasefire deal and pull troops out of Gaza? Why is the government spending £100m on a bat cave for HS2? Giles Whittell is joined by Tortoise’s Stephen Armstrong, Chloe Hadjimatheou and Hashi Mohamed as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news.

Should Starmer try to win over Trump and is Zelensky’s mineral deal with the US a smart move?

Will Keir Starmer’s meeting with Donald Trump cement him as the pragmatic leader the UK left has been missing? With the TV industry struggling, are we witnessing the end of our beloved British TV dramas? Giles Whittell is joined by comedian Matt Forde, critic Scott Bryan and Tortoise’s Cat Neilan as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news.

Why has Apple pulled a data protection tool and will Germany stand up to Trump?

Germany’s Friedrich Merz has vowed to secure “independence” from the United States following his party’s victory in parliamentary elections. In 2023 the Crown Prosecution Service found black people are 16 times more likely than white people to face prosecution under joint enterprise laws, so why is a review only happening now? For the first time, Apple has agreed to withdraw its highest-level data security tool from UK customers after the government demanded access to user data for security reasons. Giles Whittell is joined by ITV News presenter Charlene White, plus Tortoise’s Jeevan Varsagar and Patricia Clarke, as they pitch and battle it out for today’s top story.

Why do some young voters buy Trump's lies about Ukraine and what’s behind the violence in the DRC?

Why is it so hard for journalists to report on Trump’s blatant lies? Tens of thousands have died and been displaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo - so why is the war missing from the front pages? And what does the conversation between Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch and controversial podcaster Jordan Peterson reveal about the UK’s political right? Giles Whittell is joined by journalist and author Marie Le Conte, plus Tortoise’s Ada Barumé and Cat Neilan, as they pitch and battle it out for today’s top story.

Is Europe irrelevant in Trump’s new world order and will the UK send troops to Ukraine?

As Trump and Putin negotiate a peace deal without Europe or Ukraine, where does this leave Nato members? Can Keir Starmer establish himself as a key figure in European defence? And as the US and Russia meet in Saudi Arabia this week, what does that tell us about the future of geopolitics? Giles Whittell is joined by Tortoise’s Jasper Corbett, Stephen Armstrong and Cat Neilan, as they pitch and battle it out for today’s top story.

The Trump-Putin phone call shocks Europe and mayday for universities in Wales

With a single 90-minute phone call has Donald Trump sidelined Europe in the Ukraine discussion? Why is Donald Trump criticising South Africa’s land laws and what does Elon Musk have to do with it? With Cardiff University announcing major departmental cuts, will other institutions follow suit to save higher education in Wales? Giles Whittell is joined by the former opposition leader of South Africa and founder of Futurelect, Lindiwe Mazibuko, CNN presenter Max Foster and Tortoise’s Patricia Clarke as they pitch and battle it out for today’s top story.

The rise and rise of Reform and the posthumously published diary of Joan Didion

What are the ethical dilemmas of publishing a writer's private works after their death? A new poll reveals that Nigel Farage’s Reform Party may be the UK’s most popular political party. How have Labour and the Conservatives responded to the news? What does the latest round of Trump tariffs tell us about the President’s negotiating tactics? Jeevan Vasagar is joined by Tortoise’s Cat Neilan, Katie Riley and Patricia Clarke as they pitch and battle it out for today’s top story.

The Taliban refuses to return $7bn of US arms and Doge takes on USAID

A gang of young officials from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency targeted the US Agency for International Development. What does that tell us about his loyalty to Trump?

Why is the Royal Family off limits in Parliament and could Trump force Palestinians out of Gaza?

What are the 180-year-old rules that prevent MPs from debating issues about the Royal Family? As Donald Trump floats the idea of “clearing out” Gaza, what lies ahead for Palestinians returning home? And President Trump promised tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China - but how will this affect foreign relations with the US’ closest neighbours? Giles Whittell is joined by NPR’s International Correspondent Lauren Frayer, plus Tortoise’s Patricia Clarke and Jasper Corbett as they battle to pitch the top story.

An art heist in the Netherlands and will there ever be a third runway at Heathrow Airport?

Why were priceless ancient Romanian artefacts stolen from a Dutch museum and what does this tell us about the global black market in stolen art? Will the government’s latest plans to expand Heathrow airport bring the growth Rachel Reeves has been promising? And why did Donald Trump offer federal government employees money to quit their jobs? Giles Whittell is joined by Tortoise’s Katie Riley, Claudia Williams and Jasper Corbett as they battle to pitch the top story.

Israeli settlers in the West Bank and the millionaire paying to dodge death

How much is tech guru Bryan Johnson willing to put his 19-year-old son through in his quest to avoid dying? Why 33% of surveyed Gen Z-ers say they prefer the army to run the country? What happens to the West Bank during a Trump administration? Basia Cummings is joined by scientist and broadcaster Adam Rutherford, plus Tortoise’s Cat Neilan and Stephen Armstrong, as they battle to pitch the top story.

Who is the bishop who urged Trump to “have mercy” and why was crypto booming at Davos?

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde’s direct plea to Donald Trump has led a Republican congressman to demand her deportation. Should Democrats buy Trump’s meme coins? And what’s the point of Davos? Giles Whittell is joined by Tortoise’s James Harding, Patricia Clarke and Katie Riley as they battle it out to see who can pitch the top story of the day.

Ceasefire in Gaza, allegations against Neil Gaiman, and Donald Trump returns

How Tortoise first reported on the allegations made against author Neil Gaiman. Does a ceasefire in Gaza mean peace? And what are Donald Trump’s plans for day one in the White House? Jeevan Vasagar is joined by Tortoise’s Cat Neilan, Katie Gunning and Chloe Hadjimatheou as they battle it out to see who can pitch the top story of the day.

How should the media handle Trump 2.0?

As the world gears up for a second Donald Trump presidency, how will newsrooms handle the whirlwind this time around? What lessons will they take from the missteps and chaos of his first term?

The price of Shein’s fast fashion and what’s gone wrong for Rachel Reeves?

What should politicians do about allegations of poor treatment for workers at Shein’s factories in China? Will Keir Starmer back the chancellor amid the UK’s economic woes? And is allowing supervised drug use the solution to Scotland’s drug death crisis? Giles Whittell is joined by Tortoise’s Cat Neilan, Patricia Clarke and Stephen Armstrong as they battle it out to see who can pitch the top story of the day.

Why is Mark Zuckerberg changing Meta’s policies and will the LA wildfires make California uninsurable?

How will climate events like fires and hurricanes affect America’s home insurance market? Why is the Silicon Valley tech boss scrapping fact-checking ahead of Trump 2.0? And what should happen to two french orca whales now their marine park is set to close? Jess Winch is joined by Tortoise’s Giles Whittell, Claudia Williams and Patricia Clarke as they battle it out to see who can pitch the top story of the day.

Blake Lively versus Justin Baldoni and Elon Musk muscles in on British politics

Giles Whittell is joined by Tortoise’s Alexi Mostrous, Jeevan Vasagar and Cat Neilan as they battle it out to see who can pitch the top story of the day. They discuss the allegations levelled by the It Ends With Us co-stars, how journalists should respond to Elon Musk's remarks on grooming gangs in England, and President Biden blocking a $15 billion deal.

Will Trump and Musk stay friends and could AI help us talk to animals?

Giles Whittell and Tortoise journalists predict what stories will make the headlines in 2025. They discuss possible political shifts in the UK, reconciliation attempts in Syria and much needed local council reform.

2024 wrapped

Giles Whittell and Jess Winch take a look back on some of the biggest stories of the year and share some of their favourite pitches. From the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine to domestic issues like the Grenfell inquiry and the first Labour budget, along with cultural stories such as Gary Lineker's departure from Match of the Day.

Justice for Gisele Pelicot and are Americans taking all the Guinness?

Giles Whittell and guests debate the top stories of the day. They discuss the conclusion of the mass rape trial that found 50 men guilty of raping Gisèle Pelicot, the new terrorism and federal charges brought against accused CEO murderer Luigi Mangione and if the Guinness shortage is real or just great marketing.

Rising water bills and the future of the Archbishop of York

Giles Whittell and guests debate what stories should lead the news. They discuss calls for Stephen Cottrell to step down over his handling of a sexual abuse case, failures of the UK’s privatised water industry, and ABC News’s $15 million defamation settlement with Donald Trump.

Syria’s disappeared and Fifa’s 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia

Jess Winch and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the thousands of people disappeared by Bashar al-Assad’s regime, the controversy surrounding Saudi Arabia hosting the tournament amid human rights concerns, and a proposed new law banning marriages between first cousins.

The end of the house of Assad

Giles Whittell is joined by three guests pitching an angle on the toppling of the Syrian regime - the only story leading the news.

France’s political turmoil and will Musk fund Farage?

Jess Winch is joined by three guests who bring a story they think should lead the news. They debate reports that Elon Musk may donate millions to Nigel Farage’s Reform, the collapse of France’s government and a scientific breakthrough that has the potential to reduce the energy required to store data.

Rebels advance in Syria and Joe Biden pardons his son

Giles Whittell is joined by three journalists, each competing for the top spot in today's news bulletin. They discuss Joe Biden issuing a ‘full and unconditional pardon’ of Hunter Biden, President Bashar al-Assad losing control of Aleppo and Ireland's general election.

Kate Nash joins OnlyFans and the nuclear test veterans

Rebecca Moore and guests debate the top stories of the day and decide what should lead the news. They discuss the veterans demanding access to their missing military medical records, the financial structure of the music industry and why the UK is so ill prepared for flooding.

Band Aid backlash and Project 2025 in the White House

Basia Cummings and guests debate the top stories of the day and decide what should lead the news. They discuss Donald Trump’s latest controversial cabinet nomination, the backlash against Bob Geldolf’s Christmas hit and the growing concerns about shadow banking.

Don’t forget Afghanistan and why farmers are protesting

Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the farmers’ protest over inheritance tax, why newsrooms are ignoring Afghanistan at their peril and the transgender bathroom row in the US Capitol.

Biden authorises strikes into Russia and could Elon Musk make a good diplomat?

Basia Cummings and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss President Biden’s decision to let Ukraine use long range missile against Russia, reports about Elon Musk’s latest foreign intervention and Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees.

Gary Lineker’s shock exit from Match of the Day and the endgame in Ukraine

Basia Cummings and the hosts of Sky News’ Electoral Dysfunction debate what should lead the news. They discuss the need for a public inquiry into Mohamed Al Fayed, why we need to talk about Ukraine, and what Gary Lineker leaving Match of the Day says about impartiality at the BBC.

Donald Trump begins his transition to power and jeopardy in Ukraine

Jess Winch and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the president-elect failing to submit a mandatory ethics plan, Ukrainian attempts to regain ground before Trump takes office and Israeli strikes in northern Gaza.

Why Kamala Harris’s bet on abortion rights didn’t pay off and mass deportations

Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news following the US election. They discuss Donald Trump’s plans for day one of his next presidency, women dying as a result of abortion bans and the role the media had in a Republican victory.

Did the media help Donald Trump win an historic election?

Donald Trump will be the next president of the United States. James Harding and guests discuss why Americans turned out for him and the role of the media under the new Trump administration.

Trump’s plan to challenge a Kamala Harris win and why both candidates need Pennsylvania

Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news ahead of the US election. They discuss Republicans' plans to challenge a Harris win, the significance of Pennsylvania and the importance of the Arab American vote in Michigan.

News Meeting: Will the Budget fix the housing crisis and what is Jeff Bezos's influence on the Washington Post?

Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss whether Rachel Reeves pulled off Labour’s first Budget in 14 years, government pledges to increase social housing and why some of America’s major newspapers aren't endorsing Kamala Harris.

News Meeting: Georgia’s pro-Russia party wins and how to handle Trump’s tweets

Jess Winch and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the ruling Georgian Dream party increasing its share of the vote, Rachel Reeves changing the fiscal rules and what journalists can do to report on Donald Trump differently.

North Korean troops in Ukraine and Gisele Pelicot becomes a feminist icon

Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss Trump’s claims that the Labour party are interfering with the US election, Gisele Pelicot’s hope for other women who face abuse and North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia.

Sean "Diddy" Combs allegations and sewage in Lake Windermere

Jess Winch and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, a new report that found 140 million litres of waste was dumped into Lake Windermere and the mounting allegations against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.

Trump threatens to fight the enemy within and the gender divide splitting US voters

Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the controversy surrounding the planned execution of Robert Roberson, why the genders are so divided on who to vote for and Trump’s threats to use the military against his enemies at home.

Elon Musk is one step closer to Mars and UN peacekeepers under fire

Jess Winch and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss Israel’s escalating campaign in southern Lebanon, SpaceX successfully catching a rocket with giant robotic arms and Rachel Reeves' attempts to combat pre-Budget jitters.

Why hurricanes hit the poor hardest and tactical voting in the Conservative leadership battle

Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss allegations of vote sharing after James Cleverly was knocked out of the race, the financial costs associated with hurricane preparedness, and Birmingham Council's proposed cuts to its youth services.

UK hands the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius and the anniversary of October 7

Tortoise’s editor James Harding is joined by three journalists all vying to pitch the top story of the weekend. This week they are in the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London as part of the KITE festival. They discuss Chappell Roan’s fight against toxic celebrity culture, an end to the longstanding dispute over Britain's final African colony and one year on after Hamas attacked Israel.

Driving test hold-ups and why was Hurricane Helene so damaging?

Jess Winch and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the deadliest mainland US hurricane since Katrina in 2005, the undecided voters who decide the US election and why the UK driving test system is broken.

Misinformation about Ukraine in the US election and what does Iran do next?

Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the future of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Zelensky’s missteps in America and the future of one of the biggest artificial intelligence companies, OpenAI.

Israel’s bombardment of Lebanon and the indictment against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

Jess Winch is joined by Football Ramble’s Luke Moore to debate what should lead the news. They discuss the significant escalations in the Middle East, the criminal charges brought against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and the footballers threatening to strike.

US election workers threatened and Labour’s plans to stop migrant gangs

Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the mysterious packages being sent to US election officials, the abortion laws that contributed to the death of Amber Thurman and the Labour’s migration plan.

Exploding pagers in Lebanon and a rape trail that is shocking France

Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the “new phase of the war" in the Middle East, the response to Gisèle Pelicot at her husband’s trial and infighting in Keir Starmer’s top team.

Donald Trump doubles down on misinformation and women’s rights in Afghanistan

Giles Whittell and guests discuss what should lead the news. They discuss Afghan women’s rights and Donald Trump’s debunked claims about Haitian migrants.

The fallout from the Trump v Harris debate and Labour’s problem with bad landlords

Giles Whittell and guests discuss what should lead the news in the week that saw Kamala Harris and Donald Trump debate for the first time and headlines about the rising cost of bearskin hats worn by the King’s Guards.

Is Trump beating Harris and does Britain still matter on the world stage?

Tortoise’s editor James Harding is joined by three journalists all vying to pitch the top story of the weekend. They discuss Antony Blinken’s visit to the UK, a new damning report on the NHS and polling which puts Trump ahead of Kamala Harris.

News Meeting: Will the Grenfell Tower Inquiry bring justice?

Tortoise’s Giles Whittell is joined by Peter Apps, a leading expert on the Grenfell Tower fire and author of the Orwell prize winning book ‘ Show Me the Bodies: How We Let Grenfell Happen’

Why Oasis can charge so much and Israel’s strike for Gaza hostages

Economist Tim Leunig explains why Oasis used dynamic ticket pricing. Plus, Germany’s far right celebrates a “historic success”.

Biden’s man visits Beijing, sextortion and Telegram’s CEO is arrested

New York Times diplomatic correspondent Edward Wong joins the Tortoise team to discuss what should lead the news. He explains why US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met Chinese president Xi Jinping this week. They also discuss why France’s investigation into Telegram founder Pavel Durov matters and the sentencing of an Australian man responsible for one of the worst sextortion cases in history.

Democrats showcase their wife guys and Starbucks boss is under fire

What should lead the news? Three people tell Giles Whittell what they think the top story should be and Giles has a message for the new Starbucks CEO. In this episode they discuss why the coffee chain’s boss is being criticised, the vibe at the Democratic National Convention and what a death at Britain’s newest jail tells us about the prison’s crisis.

Africa’s mpox vaccine shortage and Kamala Harris pitches for the presidency

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most. In this episode they discuss why Africa is currently facing a shortage of supply of mpox vaccines, the influence of Labour Together and Kamala Harris heads to Chicago to accept her party’s nomination for president.

Why Indonesia is moving its capital and the children in care placed far from home

What should lead the news? Three journalists pitch the story they think matters most.

Kamala Harris leads in key states and a call for a fossil-fuel free Olympics

Caroline Lucas, former leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, explains what she thinks should lead the news.

An Olympic star takes flight and how do you control Musk?

Sports writer Simon Barnes and Countryfile presenter Tom Heap join Tortoise’s James Harding and Cat Neilan to debate what should lead the news. They discuss Elon Musk posting fake news and misinformation about the riots in the UK, their Olympic highlights and why we should be using farmland for solar panels rather than biofuels.

The Olympic boxing controversy and how to cover the UK riots

Award-winning foreign correspondent Christina Lamb explains why she thinks the crisis for women and girls in Afghanistan should lead the news. She also discusses how she keeps stories that could be forgotten in the headlines.

Evan Gershkovich freed in biggest prisoner swap since Cold War

Jess Winch is joined by guests to make sense of three big stories and decide which one should lead the news.

An unusual start to the Paris Olympics and Just Stop Oil protesters jailed

David Taylor is joined by three guests to decide what should lead the news. In this episode they discuss the bumpy start to the Paris Olympics, signs that the UK’s stance on Israel may be shifting and historic jail sentences for Just Stop Oil protesters.

Kamala Harris brat memes and Keir Starmer suspends Labour rebels

Giles Whittell is joined by three guests and an audience in the Tortoise newsroom for this live episode of The News Meeting. They discuss how Kamala Harris has taken social media by storm since declaring that she’s running to be the Democratic presidential nominee; Keir Starmer’s decision to suspend seven Labour MPs who rebelled; and why violence against women and girls is a “national emergency”.

Joe Biden quits the presidential race

After weeks of mounting pressure, Joe Biden has quit the race for the White House. James Harding is joined by three journalists to make sense of this turning point in history.

Trump’s marathon speech and what Labour will do about climate change

Giles Whittell is joined by Greg Swenson from Republicans Overseas UK to review Donald Trump’s speech to the Republican National Convention. Greenpeace’s Areeba Hadid wants to talk about the Labour government’s environmental policies and Tortoise’s Cat Neilan on UK-EU co-operation to tackle illegal migration.

Trump and Biden call for calm after assassination attempt

After the shock of the shooting, attention has turned to the gunman’s motive, why there was such a huge security breach and what this all means for the United States. Giles Whittell is joined by three journalists to make sense of this hugely significant story.

Lucy Letby, Britain’s prisons crisis and Labour’s Gaza problem

What should lead the news? Former director of public prosecutions Lord Ken Macdonald joins the Tortoise team to explain what he thinks the top story should be.

Labour’s policy blitz and gridlock after France’s election

There are political stories everywhere you look, so which one should lead the news? James Harding is joined by three guests to discuss the first few days of Keir Starmer’s government, the prime minister’s visit to Scotland and France’s shock election result.

Starmer drama

When he entered Downing Street as prime minister Keir Starmer said "our work is urgent - and we begin it today." In this episode James Harding is joined by special guests to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the incoming Labour government. Former Labour cabinet minister Ben Bradshaw and Camilla Cavendish, head of David Cameron’s policy unit, offer their advice to MPs and cabinet ministers who are about to start their new jobs.

Will Joe Biden step aside?

It’s nearly a week since Joe Biden’s terrible performance in that debate against Donald Trump and the panic in the Democratic party has reached fever pitch. In this special episode James Harding is joined by Susan Glasser from The New Yorker, crisis management consultant Dan McGinn and former US ambassador Matthew Barzun.

Why populist candidates thrive

With a few days to go until the election, James Harding is joined by three guests and an audience in Manchester to discuss the stories that should be leading the news.

The Biden problem and is Julian Assange a hero or a villain?

After Joe Biden’s debate disaster, what might happen next? Plus Julian Assange is freed, the prime ministerial debate between Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak, and what we can do about political corruption.

AI warfare and why Tory fundraising has collapsed

James Harding is joined by the editor of the Evening Standard to discuss why the paper is axing its daily print edition, what should lead the news and why he’s decided to write for the first time about being sexually assaulted as a teenager.

Polar bears, ice caps, jobs and growth

Giles Whittell is joined by Ecotricity owner Dale Vince, journalist Louise Tickle and Jo Leahy from Stroud Valleys Artspace in front of an audience at The Long Table in Stroud to discuss what should lead the news ahead of the election.

What Farage wants and Barclays faces anti-Israel protests

What should lead the news? Three Tortoise journalists each pitch the story they think should be at the top of the news agenda to deputy editor Giles Whittell. In this episode, Nigel Farage grabs the limelight but should he get as much coverage as he does? Plus, Benjamin Netanyahu disbands his war cabinet; and who is pure enough to fund the arts after Barclays and Baillie Gifford faced anti-Israel boycotts?

Sunak’s aide bets on the election and French politics goes crazy

What should lead the news? Three Tortoise journalists each pitch the story they think should be at the top of the news agenda to deputy editor Giles Whittell.

Douglas Ross quits as leader and Scotland’s homeless children

In this election special Giles Whittell is joined by former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale, journalist John Boothman and columnist Andrew Tickell in front of an audience at Material Source in Glasgow. They discuss what’s behind Douglas Ross’s decision to resign as leader of the Scottish Conservatives, the lurch to the right in some European countries and the number of Scottish children living in temporary accommodation.

Tory superdonor Frank Hester and Vladimir Putin’s latest threat

Giles Whittell talks to Sky News executive chairman David Rhodes about election leader debates and what should lead the news. They’re joined by Tortoise’s political editor Cat Neilan and news editor Jess Winch to discuss the news that the Conservative party accepted a further donation from Frank Hester, after he had been accused of making racist comments about Labour's Diane Abbott. Plus, Narendra Modi loses his majority and Vladimir Putin warns that Russia could provide long-range weapons to attack the West.

Farage shakes up the election campaign

Giles Whittell goes to Stoke-on-Trent to hear what people there think should lead the news. Plus reaction to the news that Nigel Farage is standing to be an MP and will lead Reform UK.

Israel’s attacks on Rafah and Elon Musk’s new AI chatbot

Live in the Tortoise newsroom, Giles Whittell and three guests debate what they think should lead the news.

The first days of the election campaign

James Harding and three guests debate what they think should lead the news. In this episode he’s joined by Rachel Wolf, Torsten Bell and Ben Bradshaw.

Death in Iran and the Infected Blood Scandal Inquiry

Giles Whittell and three guests debate what they think should lead the news. In this episode he’s joined by Tortoise’s political editor Cat Neilan, news editor Jess Winch, and climate editor Jeevan Vasagar.

Protests in Georgia and the carer’s allowance scandal

Giles Whittell and three guests debate what they think should lead the news. In this episode he’s joined by businessman John Rose who used to be chief executive of Rolls-Royce and is now deputy chairman of Rothschild Group, Tortoise’s news editor Jess Winch, and climate editor Jeevan Vasagar.

Russian advances and Drake versus Kendrick Lamar

James Harding and three guests debate what they think should lead the news. In this episode he’s joined by businesswoman and campaigner Gina Miller, Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell and reporter Stephen Armstrong.

Stormy Daniels testifies and gay rights in Ghana

James Harding and three guests debate what they think should lead the news. In this episode he’s joined by psychotherapist and author Julia Samuel, Tortoise news editor Jess Winch and climate editor Jeevan Vasagar.

Has Europe weaned itself off Russian oil?

Columnist Phil Collins joins James Harding and the Tortoise team to tell them what he thinks should lead the news. Plus, Kevin Sullivan and Mary Jordan have their latest Postcard from America. This week they discuss the life and career of former US President Jimmy Carter.

Humza Yousaf resigns as Scotland’s first minister and Macron’s warning

James Harding and three guests debate what they think should lead the news. In this episode he’s joined by Bronwen Maddox, director and chief executive of Chatham House, Tortoise deputy editor Giles Whittell and political editor Cat Neilan.

India’s election and why pupils in England are facing their worst exam results in decades

David Aaronovitch and the Tortoise team debate what should lead the news in front of an audience in the newsroom. They discuss the scale of India’s election, failures to tackle the academic and social legacies of school closures during Covid, and what was happening in Iran on the day it attacked Israel.

Brexit, austerity and how Labour could fix Britain

In ‘The State We’re In’ Will Hutton wrote about the role of government and the free market post-Thatcher. Now, after more than a decade of Conservative-led government, he’s written a new book called ‘This Time No Mistakes’. In this bonus episode he tells James how it might influence Labour’s thinking on issues like Britain’s relationship with the EU and economic reform.

Sunak’s Rwanda showdown and the Met’s apology to an antisemitism campaigner

What propels something to the top of the news agenda? James Harding is joined by three guests who each pitch the story they think should lead the news. In this episode he’s joined by former Observer editor Will Hutton to discuss the wrangling over the government’s Rwanda policy, the Met’s apology to Gideon Falter after he was called "openly Jewish" by police and threatened with arrest, and Congress approving $95 billion in foreign aid for Ukraine.

Christiana Figueres on the Dubai floods and Rishi Sunak’s smoking ban

Former UN climate chief Christiana Figueres joins the Tortoise team to tell them what she thinks should lead the news. Plus, Kevin Sullivan and Mary Jordan have their latest Postcard from America. This week it’s about the rise of college women’s basketball, fuelled by one charismatic star - Caitlin Clark.

Iran attacks Israel and Trump’s hush money trial

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think should lead the news to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell. In this episode the team are joined by David Rhodes from Sky News to talk about Iran’s attack on Israel, police investigating Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner after she was accused of breaking electoral law, which she denies, and jury selection in Donald Trump’s first criminal trial.

Swiss women win landmark climate case and Zeinab Badawi on a year of war in Sudan

The journalist and president of SOAS pitches the story she thinks should lead the news and discusses her new book ‘An African History of Africa’. In this episode she’s joined by Tortoise editors Ceri Thomas and Jess Winch to also talk about how we deal with hate speech and the 2,000 Swiss women who took their government to court over its climate policies.

Solar eclipse conspiracy theories and is Thames Water facing the end game?

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell. In this episode he’s joined by Bronwen Maddox, chief executive of Chatham House, who thinks it’s make your mind up time for the Israeli government in light of waning Western support for its war in Gaza. Climate editor Jeevan Vasagar pitches Thames Water defaulting on its debt and Stephen Armstrong thinks the US conspiracy theories surrounding the solar eclipse should lead the news.

Aid worker deaths in Gaza and a Westminster honey trap

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell. Tortoise’s political editor Cat Neilan, climate editor Jeevan Vasagar and news editor Jess Winch discuss the World Central Kitchen workers killed in Gaza, shooting Botswana’s elephants and Conservative MP William Wragg’s involvement in a sext scandal.

Elizabeth Day on Baltimore bridge conspiracies and Trump’s Truth Social

The host of How To Fail joins the Tortoise team to pitch the story she thinks should lead the news and to talk about her book Friendaholic: Confessions of a Friendship Addict. In this episode, recorded in front of an audience in the Tortoise newsroom, they discuss dissatisfaction with the NHS, Trump’s financial woes and conspiracy theories surrounding the Baltimore bridge collapse.

What the Moscow attack means for Putin and Chinese hacking

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell. Barrister and broadcaster Hashi Mohamed joins Tortoise’s political editor Cat Neilan and reporter Stephen Armstrong to discuss whether Beijing should be considered a threat, the terror attack on a Moscow concert hall and Conservative plans to maintain the triple lock on pensions.

Men-only clubs and a smoking ban for some, but not all

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding. Businessman John Rose and Labour MP Ben Bradshaw join Tortoise reporter Chloe Hadjimatheou to discuss the men-only Garrick Club, Mike Lynch’s fraud trial in the US and a ban on anyone born after 2009 from buying cigarettes is starting its journey into law.

Lessons from a World War Two disinformation campaign

Are we living through an information war? Sefton Delmer was a British propagandist who targeted the Nazi regime. In this bonus episode, the journalist Peter Pomerantsev explains what his story can teach us about modern disinformation and propaganda.

Boris Johnson’s Venezuela meeting and should we change the way we fund the police?

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding. In this episode he’s joined by Alex Coley, a councillor for Epsom in Surrey and former head of digital at the Met Police, news editor Jess Winch and climate editor Jeevan Vasagar.

Disgraced Tory donor Frank Hester and has levelling-up made any difference?

Tortoise understands that the Conservatives have received an as-yet-undeclared £5 million sum from Frank Hester, the party donor embroiled in a race row. In this episode James Harding is joined by Cat Neilan, Tortoise’s political editor, to discuss her exclusive story. They’re also joined by James Mitchinson, editor of the Yorkshire Post, and journalist and author Peter Pomerantsev.

Who is the real Keir Starmer?

Tom Baldwin has written a biography about the Labour leader. In this bonus episode he tells Giles Whittell and Cat Neilan how the book came about, Keir Starmer’s upbringing and what sort of prime minister he might be.

Sathnam Sanghera on that Kate photo and reparations for slavery

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think should lead the news to Tortoise’s editor James Harding. In this episode the team are joined by journalist and historian Sathnam Sanghera to discuss whether the intrigue surrounding the edited photo of the Princess of Wales is newsworthy. He also explains why the Church of England’s decision to pay reparations for its links to slavery has implications for a host of other national institutions and they look at the row brewing over the government’s new extremism definition.

Starvation in Gaza and why pensioners are the biggest budget losers

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think should lead the news to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whitttell. Torsten Bell, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, on Jeremy Hunt’s budget. Plus, concerns grow about a famine in Gaza and why a cabinet minister’s false claim cost the taxpayer £15,000.

Hopes for a Gaza ceasefire and Joe Biden’s political problems

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding. In this episode, David Rhodes, executive chairman of Sky News, explains why he thinks there won’t be an Israel-Hamas peace deal. The team also discuss whether Joe Biden’s support for Israel’s Gaza offensive could cost him politically and George Galloway’s return to the House of Commons.

The Couzens report, America’s airports and Taylor Swift’s political power

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding. In this episode James Harding is joined by Mary Jordan and Kevin Sullivan, a Pulitzer Prize-winning husband and wife reporting team, who are joining Tortoise to write a regular letter from America.

Chris Anderson on why the internet is making us meaner

The head of TED sits down with Tortoise editor James Harding to discuss his concerns about artificial intelligence and how his religious upbringing made him want to spread the idea of infectious generosity.

Sudan’s forgotten war and Britain’s drink spiking epidemic

What should lead the news? Chris Anderson, head of TED and author of Infectious Generosity, pitches his story to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding. We discuss The Sunday Times investigation into drink spiking, the ongoing war in Sudan and why we’re wired to focus on bad news stories.

News Meeting: Investigating a failing children’s prison and a nuclear missile misfires

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding.

Alexei Navalny’s death and the fake restaurants registered on Companies House

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding. The team discusses what we know about Alexei’s Navalny’s death in a Russian penal colony, why fake restaurants are being registered on Companies House and Labour’s position on a ceasefire in Gaza ahead of a vote in the House of Commons later this week.

UK in recession and has the vegan bubble burst?

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell.

Israel’s Rafah offensive and Keir Starmer under pressure over antisemitism

In this episode Giles Whittell is joined by journalist and author Donald Macintrye, political editor Cat Neilan and climate editor Jeevan Vasagar to discuss the prospect of an Israeli ground operation in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah, allegations of antisemitism against Labour’s candidate in the Rochdale by-election and Taylor Swift’s private jet.

A Labour u-turn and a failed peace agreement

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor James Harding In this episode the team discuss the news that Netanyahu has rejected the Gaza peace deal, Labour has dropped its £28 billion green investment plan, and the hydroelectric dam that could power a lot of Africa

Strikes against the Houthis and the rising demand for ADHD medication

The Tortoise team is joined by Bronwen Maddox, Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House. They discuss the new wave of US strikes on Yemen’s Houthis, the Clapham chemical attack and the number of wealthy adults being prescribed ADHD medication.

Why big events ultimately come down to chance

In this bonus episode the Tortoise team are joined by Dr Brian Klaas, Associate Professor in Global Politics at University College London and author of ‘Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters’.

The death penalty and does Iran want a war with the United States?

The Tortoise team are joined by Dr Brian Klaas, Associate Professor in Global Politics at University College London to discuss the US troops killed in a drone strike, the first ever execution by nitrogen inhalation and Donald Trump’s defamation trial.

What does David Miliband think should lead the news?

The former UK foreign secretary and president of the IRC discusses Israel’s Gaza offensive, EU aid for Ukraine, Northern Ireland and Elon Musk’s pay.

Trump wins again and why the British military is in such a state

Jane Martinson, journalist and academic, joins the Tortoise team for a recording in front of an audience in the newsroom.

Tata Steel job losses and why are measles cases rising?

The Tortoise team are joined by Labour MP Liam Byrne to discuss the closure of the Port Talbot blast furnaces, Britain’s measles outbreak and a judge’s ruling against a manager who wanted to work from home.

How important will immigration be at the next election?

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor Ceri Thomas. In this episode the team discuss the Conservative infighting over the Rwanda bill, Pakistan’s missile strike on Iran and Fujitsu’s apology for the Horizon Post Office computer system. Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com Guests: Katy Balls, political editor at The Spectator Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise Jeevan Vasagar, climate editor at Tortoise Host: Ceri Thomas, editor at Tortoise Producer: Imy Harper Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

Iowa decides, but does it matter?

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to special guest host Liz Moseley. Leslie Vinjamuri from foreign affairs think tank Chatham House explains the Iowa caucuses as the US presidential race kicks off. The team also discuss 100 days of the Israel-Hamas war and continuing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com. The producer was Imy Harper and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

Who are the Houthis?

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell. He’s also joined by Iona Craig, a journalist specialising in Yemen, about what we know so far about the strikes against Houthi rebel targets. What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The Westminster Accounts: one year on, what have we learned?

A year ago Tortoise and Sky News launched the first fully searchable database of the money being used to oil the machinery of British politics. In this bonus episode James Harding is joined by Sky’s deputy political editor Sam Coates, Tortoise’s political editor Cat Neilan and data scientist Joe White to discuss what we learnt.

The Joe Biden problem and should the Post Office scandal be leading the news?

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding. In this episode he’s joined by deputy editor Giles Whittell, reporter Chloe Hadjimatheou and Katy Searle, former executive editor of BBC Westminster. They discuss whether the Post Office scandal should be leading the news after an ITV drama put it back in the headlines, whether Joe Biden should be the Democratic presidential candidate and a senior police leader who says policing is ‘institutionally racist’. What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

2024 predictions

What might happen this year? James Harding is joined by Tortoise editors and reporters to make some predictions.

Robert Peston on why politicians need to get a grip of AI

James Harding sits down with ITV political editor Robert Peston to discuss his new book ‘Bust?: Saving the economy, democracy and our sanity’.

What was the biggest story of 2023?

In this special Christmas episode with Intelligence Squared, the Tortoise team are joined by Robert Peston and an audience at The Tabernacle in Notting Hill to discuss the biggest stories of the year.

Michelle Mone’s change of tone and Jimmy Lai on trial

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding. In this episode the best-selling author and journalist Tim Marshall joins the team to discuss Michelle Mone’s BBC interview, President Putin’s warning to NATO and pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai going on trial in Hong Kong. Plus, Giles Whittell’s recipe for a greater Britain.

Was COP28 a success and why do politicians lie?

The Tortoise team were joined by Rob Burley, former editor of the BBC’s political programmes and The Andrew Marr show, for a special episode in front of an audience in the newsroom.

How to fix the economy

In this bonus episode James Harding sits down with Torsten Bell, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, to talk about how to end the toxic combination of slow growth and high inequality.

How Russia wins

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding. In this episode Chris Morris, chief executive of fact-checking organisation Full Fact, joins the team to discuss the risk of Ukraine fatigue, Cop28 and why a US university president was forced to quit.

News Meeting: Rishi’s Rwanda revolt and Boris Johnson at the Covid inquiry

Green MP Caroline Lucas joins the Tortoise team to pitch the story she thinks should lead the news and political editor Cat Neilan has the latest on the Tory revolt over the government’s Rwanda policy.

James Harding on Tortoise's case against the Tory party

How the courts denied our request but agreed the public needs more information

Assassination attempt strains US-India relations and Farage in the jungle

The Tortoise team are joined by politics lecturer and author Remi Adekoya to discuss the backlash against Keir Starmer praising Margaret Thatcher, an assasination plot in the US and Nigel Farage on I’m A Celebrity.

Was Henry Kissinger a force for good and has Elon Musk finally gone too far?

The Tortoise team are joined by economist Linda Yueh to discuss the former US secretary of state’s record, Elon Musk's tirade and Cop28.

The Elgin marbles debate and could a pause in fighting become a ceasefire in Gaza?

David Aaronovitch joins the Tortoise team to talk about his new series and what should lead the news.

When is a tax cut not a tax cut?

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor-in-chief James Harding. In this live recording he’s joined by political editor Cat Neilan, the FT’s Claer Barrett and Slow Newscast host Basia Cummings to make sense of Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement and Palantir’s new NHS data contract.

Open warfare at OpenAI and Jess Phillips on her resignation

The Labour MP joins the Tortoise team to talk about quitting her frontbench role to vote for a ceasefire in Gaza. They also discuss Sam Altman’s firing, housing for vulnerable people and when protest becomes intimidation.

After Rwanda, what next and could Irael’s raid on a Gaza hospital be a turning point?

James Harding and the Tortoise team make sense of a busy week in British politics, Israel’s raid on Al-Shifa hospital and whether water should be traded like a commodity.

Bonus episode: Rory Stewart on Westminster’s failures and his political future

The former cabinet minister and author of ‘Politics on the Edge’ talks to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding about his political career, Westminster’s dysfunction and what he might do next.

Rory Stewart on David Cameron’s return and Suella Braverman’s sacking

Rishi Sunak has sacked his home secretary and appointed a former prime minister as foreign secretary. Rory Stewart, former cabinet minister and author of ‘Politics on the Edge’, joins the Tortoise team to discuss that and the situation in Gaza.

Bonus episode: James O’Brien on the people who broke Britain and how we fix it

The LBC presenter talks to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding about the people who he thinks broke Britain, why there aren’t any rules anymore and his approach to journalism. James Harding also takes issue with some of the people he includes in his new book, ‘How They Broke Britain’, and asks how his experience presenting Newsnight affected how he thinks about balance and impartiality.

James O’Brien on Suella Braverman and why Shell is suing Greenpeace

James Harding and the Tortoise team are joined by the LBC presenter to discuss the home secretary’s attack on the police, a topsy-turvy week in US politics and the oil giant taking environmental campaigners to court.

Should pro-Palestinian marches go ahead on Armistice Day and can we feel sorry for Sam Bankman-Fried?

James Harding and the Tortoise team are joined by economist Ian Goldin to discuss the pro-Palestinian protests in the UK, Sam Bankman-Fried’s conviction and attitudes towards immigration.

What we learnt from the Covid inquiry and what’s been happening at Bletchley Park?

James Harding and the Tortoise team are joined by former BBC editor Katy Searle to discuss the Covid inquiry, Israel’s response to the Hamas attack and the prime minister’s AI summit.

The Dagestan airport riot and who is the new US House Speaker?

Basia Cummings and the team discuss what happened at Makhachkala airport, new House Speaker Mike Johnson and what the new Levelling Up Act means for house building.

What does Saudi Arabia want and are we facing an AI election?

Matt Chorley joins the Tortoise team to pitch his story. They discuss Saudi Arabia’s role in the Middle East, Keir Starmer’s position on Israel and Gaza, bankers bonuses and look ahead to the general election.

What’s delaying Israel’s ground offensive in Gaza?

As Israel prepares to enter Gaza, former BBC Middle East correspondent Paul Wood explains why the ground offensive hasn’t started yet and how Israel is approaching this war. Plus Labour’s by-election victories and Giorgia Meloni’s family values.

Israel-Hamas war: what role can diplomacy play?

The question of the role and limits of diplomacy hangs over the Middle East. James Harding is joined by Lina Khatib, director of the Middle East Institute at SOAS, former US ambassador Matthew Barzun and Tortoise’s Jess Winch.

Israel and Gaza: Blinken’s diplomacy and Netanyahu’s next move

James Harding is joined from Jerusalem by journalist Noga Tarnopolsky and hears from Yousef Hammash, the Norwegian Refugee Council’s advocacy officer in Gaza.

Israel and Gaza: what happens next?

James Harding, Tortoise editor-in-chief and former director of BBC News, criticises the BBC’s policy to not call Hamas terrorists. The team also discuss Benjamin Netanyahu’s response to the Hamas attack and the situation in Gaza.

Israel at war

Israel’s prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu has declared war on Hamas after the military group launched an attack from Gaza, killing hundreds of civilians and taking hostages. Israel has struck back and ordered a ‘complete siege’ of the enclave. In this special episode James Harding is joined by political scientist Yascha Mounk, Basia Cummings and Giles Whittell to make sense of the Hamas attack and where it might lead. Yascha also talks to James about his new book ‘The Identity Trap’.

How should we cover migration stories and why did Rishi Sunak cancel part of HS2?

James Harding is joined by BBC News and Mastermind presenter Clive Myrie, Jess Winch and Jeevan Vasagar to discuss HS2, migration and the case of soldier Jaysley Beck.

Sunak’s divided Conservatives and why do water companies want to increase bills?

Basia Cummings is joined by Cat Neilan, Giles Whittell and barrister Hashi Mohamed to discuss what’s happening at Conservative party conference, water companies wanting to put up bills and the victory of a pro-Russia party in Slovakia.

Why are six young people taking 32 countries to court and what is Suella Braverman up to?

Giles Whittell is joined by comedian Andy Hamilton and Tortoise editors Basia Cummings and Jess Winch to discuss Suella Braverman’s speech about migration, the Portuguese young people taking countries to court and why we’re taking more sick days.

What’s happening with HS2 and should we celebrate Adidas’s new super-shoe?

Giles Whittell is joined by Basia Cummings, Alexi Mostrous and Rachel Wolf to discuss reported plans to scrap part of HS2, Osiris-Rex returning samples from an asteroid and Adidas’s new super-shoe.

Are journalists too obsessed with bad news and did Rupert Murdoch make a secret deal with Prince William?

Steven Pinker, Harvard professor and author of Enlightenment Now, criticises the news machine. Plus whether Prince William reached a secret out of court settlement with Rupert Murdoch and News Group over phone hacking and Canada’s row with India.

The Russell Brand allegations and is climate change to blame for the Libya disaster?

Basia Cummings is joined by Giles Whittell, Jeevan Vasagar and Coco Khan to discuss the accusations against Russell Brand, flooding in Libya and the American XL bully ban.

Keir Starmer on the offensive and is the UK in a recession?

Andy Haldane, former Bank of England chief economist, offers his assessment of the UK economy. Plus Keir Starmer begins to set out his stall in two Murdoch-owned papers and Bernard Looney's resignation from BP.

How significant are the China spy allegations and why do we struggle to care about climate stories?

James Harding is joined by Jess Winch, Jeevan Vasagar and parliamentary sketchwriter Rob Hutton. They discuss the researcher arrested over alleged spying for China, Woking council cutting services and efforts to reduce global warming.

Is it right to scrutinise Volodymyr Zelensky’s marriage and should The Rolling Stones admit they’re a PR stunt?

James Harding is joined by Tortoise editors Giles Whittell and Keith Blackmore, and special guest Yalda Hakim. They discuss new music from The Rolling Stones, the difference between Melania Trump and Olena Zelenska and Toyota’s plans to build fuel cells.

Bonus episode: Is the NHS “fobbing off” the mother of a girl who died of sepsis?

In this special episode of The News Meeting, James Harding is joined by Merope Mills, the mother of 13-year-old Martha who died unnecessarily from sepsis, and Polly Curtis from Demos, who are campaigning for “Martha’s rule” - the right to call for a second opinion - to understand how to make the change happen.

Why did Elon Musk buy Twitter and how did a 13-year-old girl die needlessly in the NHS?

James Harding is joined by Tortoise editors Basia Cummings, Jeevan Vasagar and Giles Whittell. They discuss the risk of collapsing schools, an EU report on Kremlin disinformation and why the parents of Martha Mills, who died from sepsis, are campaigning for patients to have the right to a second opinion if they have concerns about their care.

Can the US and China be frenemies and is the UK still a Christian country?

James Harding and the team are joined by the FT’s US Financial editor Brooke Masters to discuss the ULEZ expansion, Gina Raimondo’s trip to China and massive pandemic relief fraud.

Are the British Museum thefts more than just a whodunnit and is there too much coverage of US politics?

James Harding and the team are joined by former culture secretary Ben Bradshaw to discuss the thefts from the British Museum, Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood u-turn and the Republican presidential candidates.

Bonus episode: After Prigozhin’s reported death, what now?

In this special episode of The News Meeting the team discuss what Yevgeny Prigozhin’s reported death means for Vladimir Putin, the Wagner Group, Ukraine and the West.

Why wasn’t Lucy Letby stopped sooner and what to make of the women's World Cup final?

James Harding and the team discuss the Women’s World Cup final, the sentencing of Lucy Letby and Donald Trump’s refusal to attend the first Republican primary debate.

Why is King Charles getting a pay rise and what’s happening in Niger?

James Harding and the team discuss whether there could be military intervention in Niger, King Charles’s 45% pay rise and the mountaineers criticised for continuing their ascent after finding a dying guide.

Leaving the ECHR and Zelda Perkins on toxic workplace culture

James Harding and the team are joined by campaigner Zelda Perkins. They discuss claims about the culture at ITV, Conservative grumblings over the ECHR and the Ohio vote that delivered a win for abortion rights campaigners.

What happens when you’re switched at birth and what does Rishi Sunak believe?

Why is the latest Trump indictment so significant and who cares about wild camping?

Why should you care about a coup in Niger and what is carbon capture?

How do you report climate science and should UFOs ever lead the news?

What should lead the news? Three journalists pitch the story they think matters most to deputy editor Giles Whittell. They discuss a new law that curtails the power of Israel's Supreme Court, Nigel Farage’s war on Coutts and whether the Gulf Stream will really collapse by 2025. They also find time to talk about the US congressional hearings on UFOs.

Odesa cathedral, green policies reconsidered and Cookham Wood

Post Office scandal, Starmer benefit row, and grain deal

El Niño, mortgage costs, and missing migrant boats

European heat storm, inheritance tax, and Hollywood strikes

Bonus episode: the BBC presenter and privacy

In this special episode James Harding explores why the media is reluctant to name the BBC presenter accused of paying a teenager for explicit images. He’s joined by Pia Sarma, editorial legal director at Times newspapers, and former BBC home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw.

BBC presenter suspended, NHS & big pharma, and cluster bombs

Before founding Tortoise James Harding was head of BBC News. In this episode he’s joined by journalists Liz Moseley, Will Brown and Ceri Thomas, a former editor of Radio 4’s Today programme, to discuss the scandal surrounding a BBC presenter and what it means for the corporation. They also cover the US government’s decision to send cluster bombs to Ukraine, and the links between the NHS and big pharma. Get in touch to tell us about the story you think should lead the news. Email newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

Threads vs. Twitter, OnlyFans billboard, and Horizon membership

The team discusses Meta launching Threads to challenge Twitter, the billboard advertising an explicit OnlyFans account that sparked complaints and the UK edging closer to rejoining the EU’s Horizon programme.

France riots, Ukraine's counteroffensive, and affirmative action

In our first Monday episode the team discusses the violence that has erupted in France, Ukraine's faltering counteroffensive and the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn race-based college admissions.

Russian infighting, Thames Water, and Nicola Bulley’s inquest

James Harding is joined by Tortoise journalists Basia Cummings, Claudia Williams and Cat Neilan. They discuss Russia after the failed Wagner rebellion, the politics of water amid fears that Thames Water could collapse, and a coroner’s ruling that Nicola Bulley’s death was accidental. To get in touch and tell us about the stories you think should lead the news email newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

Titanic sub, interest rate rise, and short children

James Harding is joined by Tortoise editors Jess Winch, Liz Moseley and Giles Whittell. In this episode they discuss the hunt for the missing Titan submersible, British children being shorter than their international peers and the Bank of England’s latest hike in interest rates.

The News Meeting Live: Trump's toilet troubles, wildfires and the allegations against Crispin Odey

In this episode, recorded at Kite Festival on Sunday 11th June, James Harding is joined on stage by Tortoise editors Alexi Mostrous, Basia Cummings and Jeevan Vasagar.

Ukraine dam explosion, Saudi sport washing and economic policy

James Harding is joined by Tortoise editors Jess Winch and Giles Whittell, and Tortoise chairman Matthew Barzun who was US ambassador to London. In this episode they discuss the Kakhovka dam, the real difference between the economic policies of major political parties and golf’s PGA Tour merging with its Saudi-backed rival LIV Golf.

MeToo in the media, Whitehall WhatsApps and deep-sea mining

James Harding is joined by Tortoise editors Jeevan Vasagar, Jane Bruton and Giles Whittell. In this episode they discuss the sexual harassment allegations against former Observer columnist Nick Cohen; the Cabinet Office’s battle over Boris Johnson’s WhatApp messages; and a new frontier in the fight against climate change – deep below sea level.

Cardiff riots, rape trials and Tina Turner

James Harding is joined by Tortoise editors Liz Moseley, Keith Blackmore and Mark St Andrew. In this episode they discuss Cardiff police’s response to a fatal e-bike crash which sparked a riot, proposals to block using rape victims' sexual history as evidence in a trial and the death of music legend, Tina Turner.

The News Meeting Live: Immigration stats, Ron DeSantis and Zelensky’s European Tour

James Harding is joined by Tortoise’s Alexi Mostrous, Liz Moseley and Katie Gunning in front of a live audience at London’s Picturehouse Central. Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

Contraceptives, monarchy and Trump liable for sexual abuse

James Harding is joined by Liz Moseley, Phoebe Davis and Keith Blackmore to discuss the stories they think mattered most this week. Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

Artificial intelligence, house building and the TV writers strike

​​Liz Moseley is joined by Tortoise’s political editor Cat Neilan, investigations editor Alexi Mostrous and head of live events Mark St Andrew. In this episode they discuss the American writers strike, the Conservative Party’s problem with housing and dire warnings about the future of artificial intelligence. Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

Sudan, the resignation of Dominic Raab and Joe Biden

James Harding is joined by Tortoise editors Jess Winch, Cat Neilan and Basia Cummings. In this episode they discuss the escalating situation in Sudan, the resignation of Dominic Raab and US President Joe Biden running for reelection. Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

The News Meeting Live: Fox settles, Musk's rocket and the SNP

James Harding is joined by comedian Rosie Holt and Tortoise editors Liz Moseley and Giles Whittell in this special episode recorded in front of an audience in the Tortoise newsroom. Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

Pentagon leaks, China’s war games and sewage dumping

Journalist and broadcaster Rachel Johnson is joined by Tortoise journalists Will Brown, Jeevan Vasagar and Katie Gunning. In this episode they discuss the leak of classified US intelligence documents, Chinese military exercises around Taiwan and the report which revealed that sewage was dumped in UK waters for almost a million hours last year. Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

Pork fraud, Trump arrested and a lonely death

David Aaronovitch is joined by Tortoise reporter Claudia Williams, editor Liz Moseley and head of live events, Mark St Andrew. In this episode they discuss the case against Donald Trump, large-scale fraud in British food supply chains and how a woman lay dead in her flat for two and a half years before her body was found. Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

Manchester United, Israel and treatment of asylum seekers

James Harding is joined by Tortoise news editor Jess Winch, head of investigations Alexi Mostrous and head of social media Andrew Butler. In this episode they discuss the sale of Manchester United, Israel’s government pausing a judicial overhaul after protests and attitudes towards asylum seekers around the world. Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

Boris Johnson, Met Police report and life expectancy

In this episode Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding is joined by political editor Cat Neilan, editor Dave Taylor and head of investigations Alexi Mostrous. They discuss Boris Johnson’s future, Baroness Casey’s scathing review of the Metropolitan Police and the life expectancy gap between the wealthiest and poorest areas. Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

Cladding crackdown, the collapse of SVB and Xi Jinping

Former Sky News political editor Adam Boulton is this week’s guest host. He’s joined by Tortoise journalists Mark St Andrew, Patricia Clarke and Cat Neilan who pitch the story they think mattered most this week. Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

Stanley Johnson’s knighthood, river rights and another Met apology

Former cabinet minister and Good Morning Britain presenter Ed Balls is in the editor’s chair. He’s joined by Tortoise journalists Liz Moseley, Claudia Williams and Mark St Andrew who pitch the story they think mattered most this week. Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

Hancock's WhatsApps, Fox News and bird flu

Three journalists pitch their top story of the week to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding. In this episode James is joined by Tortoise editors Liz Moseley, Mark St Andrew and Cat Neilan. Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

A year of war in Ukraine, the tomato shortage and cash-strapped councils

Three journalists pitch their top story of the week to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding. In this episode James is joined by Tortoise editors Jess Winch and David Taylor, as well as leading UK barrister Hashi Mohamed. Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

Nicola Sturgeon, Ford cuts jobs and BBC offices raided in India

Three journalists pitch their top story of the week to guest editor Sonia Sodha, who is chief leader writer and columnist at the Observer. She is joined by Tortoise’s climate editor Jeevan Vasagar, head of live events Mark St Andrew and Jane Bruton, former deputy editor of The Daily Telegraph. Mark argues that Nicola Sturgeon’s surprise resignation is the obvious lead, but Jane disagrees. She says we should care most about the attack on press freedoms in India, but Jeevan thinks it’s Ford’s huge round of job cuts which matter most this week. Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, Man City and BP

In this episode Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding and the team discuss how the news should respond to major humanitarian disasters like the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

German tanks, Dartmoor and Chinese infrastructure

Three journalists pitch their top story of the week to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding. In this episode James is joined by Tortoise’s climate editor Jeevan Vasagar, who was the Financial Times’ correspondent in Singapore and Berlin; news editor Jess Winch, formerly foreign editor at the Daily Telegraph; and head of programming Mark St Andrew.

Britishvolt, David Carrick and online harms

Journalist and broadcaster Adam Boulton is the guest host of this week’s News Meeting. He’s joined by Tortoise editors Liz Moseley, Alexi Mostrous and Dave Taylor.

Prince Harry, Brazil and the Westminster Accounts

Tortoise editor James Harding is joined by Alexi Mostrous, Cat Neilan and Keith Blackmore to discuss the stories they think mattered most this week. Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

NHS crisis, Congress chaos and the Parthenon marbles

In the first episode of 2023 James Harding is joined by Liz Moseley, Dave Taylor and Mark St Andrew to discuss the stories they think mattered most this week. Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

Fusion breakthrough, FTX boss arrested and a corruption scandal

In the last episode of 2022 James Harding is joined by Liz Moseley, Dave Taylor and Tortoise political editor Cat Neilan to discuss the stories they think mattered most this week. Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

German plot, ChatGPT and the World Cup

In this episode James Harding is joined by Alexi Mostrous from the hit podcast Sweet Bobby, and Tortoise editors Liz Moseley and Keith Blackmore, to discuss the stories they think mattered most this week. Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

Balenciaga, Alzheimer’s drug and protests

James Harding is joined by Tortoise journalists Liz Moseley, Andrew Butler and Dave Taylor to discuss the stories they think mattered most this week. Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

World Cup, winter of discontent, Disney hero?

In the first episode James Harding is joined by Tortoise editors Cat Neilan, Dave Taylor and Liz Moseley to discuss the stories they think mattered most this week.

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What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding.