The Daily T

Labour is sticking to its manifesto pledge, confirming that it will give 16 and 17-year-olds the vote at the next general election. Announcing the decision, Keir Starmer said that they were old enough to pay taxes and should therefore get a say in the running of the country. But have Labour just inadvertently opened the door for two politicians incredibly popular with the young – Nigel Farage and Jeremy Corbyn? Camilla and Tim speak to Scarlett Maguire, founder of polling firm Merlin Strategy, who believes that Corbyn is the politician “potentially capable of mobilising and motivating this group”. Elsewhere, they also speak to Rachel Maskell, one of the four Labour MPs who had the whip removed yesterday for her part in the disastrous welfare rebellion, about what life is like under Starmer’s leadership and the “insulting and unprofessional” comments made about her and her colleagues by party sources in the aftermath. Producers: Georgia Coan and Lilian Fawcett Senior Producer: John Cadigan Planning Editor: Venetia Rainey Video Editor: Will Walters Additional Production: Amelia Clarke Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was this the most expensive – and possibly most disastrous – email in history? It has been revealed that the details of up to 25,000 Afghans – soldiers who worked alongside the British and their families – were mistakenly leaked by a Marine in 2022. The Government at the time secured a superinjunction to prevent the breach being reported, meaning the £7bn earmarked to address it faced no scrutiny. Jacob Rees-Mogg was a senior MP back then and tells Camilla what he did and didn’t know at the time, who should take the blame, and if this was a coverup at the highest level. Plus, Chancellor Rachel Reeves just can’t catch a break! Not long after her big speech to finance movers and shakers, new figures put inflation at its highest level in 18 months. Read: Finally, the ineptitude I saw first-hand has been exposed, by Johnny Mercer We could not betray Afghan allies who fought alongside us, by Ben Wallace Producers: Lilian Fawcett & Georgia Coan Senior Producer: John Cadigan Planning Editor: Venetia Rainey Video Editor: Will Walters Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He was elected in 2024 promising to end the war between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours, and less than six months ago halted the flow of military aid to Kyiv after giving President Zelensky a dressing down in the Oval Office. But Donald Trump now seems to have changed his tune on Ukraine. The President has announced that the US will resume the supply of weapons, via Nato, and also threatened 100pc tariffs on Russia if a deal isn't done. He also later told the BBC that he was "disappointed" in Putin. Camilla and Tim speak to former economic advisor to Donald Trump, Carla Sands, who blames "weak and flabby militaries throughout Europe" and a "feckless" Joe Biden for the current situation in Ukraine, and believes Trump will get a deal despite Putin not being an "honest broker". Elsewhere, Camilla and Tim speak to Conservative MP James Cleverly, who was making a speech in Central London about countering the rise of Reform, and ask him if he's on manoeuvres for a leadership run. Producesr: Lilian Fawcett & Georgia Coan Senior Producer: John Cadigan Planning Editor: Venetia Rainey Video Editor: Will Walters Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two utterly damning reports into the BBC landed within a matter of hours of each today, calling into question the future of the director-general Tim Davie and indeed the corporation itself. Firstly, the failure to handle the behaviour of Gregg Wallace was laid bare in an internal review that saw the BBC admit that it could have done more to stop the Masterchef presenter. And then it went from bad to worse after a separate review into the controversial documentary Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone confirmed that it had breached editorial guidelines on accuracy, having failed to disclose that the narrator was the son of a Hamas official. Camilla and Tim speak to former culture secretary Sir John Whittingdale, who believes that Tim Davie “must be considering his position” and that “the funding of the BBC is rapidly reaching the point where we have to look at alternatives”. Producesr: Lilian Fawcett & Georgia Coan Senior Producer: John Cadigan Planning Editor: Venetia Rainey Video Editor: Will Walters Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the UK, over 70,800 people in the UK are living with young-onset dementia. But what’s it really like to live alongside the disease? In this deeply personal and moving episode of The Daily T, we explore the realities of the disease with Martin Frizell, former This Morning editor and husband of journalist and broadcaster Fiona Phillips, who was diagnosed at the age of 61. The couple, who have been married for 28 years, have written a memoir together called 'Remember When: My Life with Alzheimer's', opening up about the struggles they have both faced. Martin joins Camilla in the studio to reflect on the last five years of living alongside Fiona's disease, how their family has coped and the challenges of becoming a full-time carer. He also shares powerful insights into the current state of Alzheimer’s research and why he believes it's still not getting the attention it urgently needs. You can also read Camilla's interview with Martin Frizell: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/conditions/dementia/martin-frizell-interview-fiona-phillips/ Producer: Georgia Coan Senior Producer: John Cadigan Executive Producer: Louisa Wells Planning Editor: Venetia Rainey Video Editor: Will Walters Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It might not be what the UK is best known for, but is our burgeoning tech sector the answer to buoying up the British economy? And if so, what’s standing in our way? This week, Jeremy Hunt is putting his case for the UK becoming home to the next Silicon Valley to Clare Barclay, President of Enterprise and Industry EMEA at Microsoft and Chair of the new Industrial Strategy Advisory Council, and Rohan Silva, Chair of Founders Factory in Western Australia - and former advisor to David Cameron. In this special Daily T series inspired by his new book, Jeremy Hunt pitches his optimism and ideas to leading experts on how the UK can change the world for the better. From mass migration to leading the AI revolution, we ask, can we be great again? Producer: Rosie Stopher Executive Producer: Louisa Wells Video Editors: Andy Mackenzie and Will Walters Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Original music by Goss Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hundreds of migrants have crossed the Channel this morning, far outnumbering the handful who could be returned to France under Sir Keir Starmer’s new “one in, one out” migrant deal with Emmanuel Macron. As the French president arrived at No 10 for last-minute talks, The Telegraph watched boats packed with young men leaving Gravelines beach at dawn while French police stood by. Later, 74 men, a woman and three children were handed over to Border Force by the French Navy, who even asked for the migrants’ life jackets back. Critics warn that returning around 50 migrants a week will do little to reduce crossings, raising questions over Labour’s Channel crisis strategy. Camilla and Gordon are joined by Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp to discuss why the deal is a disaster for Britain and how Starmer has lost control of the border. Meanwhile, Reform UK is shaking up Westminster again. Nigel Farage was heckled at PMQs while raising concerns about illegal migration and ex-Tory MP Jake Berry has become the latest to defect to Reform. Our political correspondent Dom Penna joins us after speaking with Reform MP Lee Anderson on what the party’s rise means for the Conservatives. Producer: Georgia Coan Senior Producer: John Cadigan Planning Editor: Venetia Rainey Video Editor: Will Walters Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At today's PMQs, Labour leader Keir Starmer refused to rule out a new wealth tax. Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch demanded a cast-iron guarantee that there won’t be an autumn Budget raid on wealth, but the Prime Minister couldn’t give one, fuelling Tory claims that a “toxic cocktail” of Labour tax rises could be on the way. Tim Stanley and Gordon Rayner are joined by Daily Telegraph Economics Reporter Emma Taggart to discuss what a potential 2% wealth tax on assets over £10 million, suggested by Labour grandee Lord Kinnock, could mean for savers, homeowners, and the British economy. And if you visit Heathrow this summer, Grammy-nominated artist Jordan Rakei has turned the airport’s everyday noises into a four-minute ambient soundscape designed to soothe travellers. But will it calm the nerves of our resident anxious flyer Tim Stanley? Producer: Georgia Coan Senior Producer: John Cadigan Planning Editor: Venetia Rainey Social Media Producer: Ece Celik Video Editor: Will Walters Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Original music by Goss Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emmanuel Macron is in London this week, meeting the Royal Family - and Keir Starmer isn’t missing the chance to cosy up to the French President. The Prime Minister is hosting a summit in central London with Macron, bringing in French and British business bosses to talk trade and tech. Starmer is talking once again of strengthening ties with Europe, but is this yet another Brexit surrender deal after his ‘EU reset’ that gave away access to British fishing waters for twelve years? Starmer and Macron are also expected to announce plans for French police to do more to stop the endless flow of small boats crossing the Channel. But with no sign of a proper returns deal for illegal migrants, Tim and Cleo Watson ask The Daily Telegraph’s Europe Editor James Crisp what Britain really gets from this relationship. And we remember Tory grandee Norman Tebbit, who has died aged 94. A towering figure in Margaret Thatcher’s cabinet, he helped take on the unions, oversaw privatisation and famously survived the IRA’s Brighton bomb of 1984. Lord Charles Moore, Thatcher’s biographer, reflects on Tebbit’s legacy and the era he helped shape. Read: Victorious Macron arrives at summit to accept Starmer’s Brexit surrender - James Crisp Lord Tebbit, pugnacious Tory who articulated the Iron Lady’s views to the man on the street Producer: Georgia Coan Senior Producer: John Cadigan Planning Editor: Venetia Rainey Social Media Producer: James Simmons Video Editor: Will Walters Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Original music by Goss Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week it was the failed welfare bill causing an embarrassing rebellion for the government. And now this week, Labour have set themselves up for more anarchy on the back benches with their plans to scrap support for children with special educational needs. Rachel Reeves has to find £5 billion to fill her black hole, and Tim Stanley and Cleo Watson discuss the Chancellor’s conundrum, whether they could end up raising money through a wealth tax, and how Starmer’s government has to get better at party management. And on the anniversary of the 7/7 London bombings, we speak to Gordon Rayner about his Telegraph exclusive investigation into Samantha Lewthwaite aka the “White Widow”, who married one of the bombers before vanishing and joining forces with the terror group Al-Shabaab, becoming one of Britain’s most wanted terror suspects. Producer: Georgia Coan Senior Producer: John Cadigan Planning Editor: Venetia Rainey Social Media Producer: James Simmons Video Editor: Will Walters Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Original music by Goss Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s protectionist trade tariffs, how does a post-Brexit UK capitalise on its free trade opportunities? Is it time to reconsider what our tradeable goods really are? And should we be embracing globalisation as the best route forward? Jeremy Hunt puts his argument before Dan Hannan, Founding President of the Institute for Free Trade, and David Henig, Director of the UK Trade Policy Project at the European Centre for International Political Economy. In this special Daily T series inspired by his new book, Jeremy Hunt pitches his optimism and ideas to leading experts on how the UK can change the world for the better. From mass migration to leading the AI revolution, we ask, can we be great again? Producer: Rosie Stopher Executive Producer: Louisa Wells Social Media Producer: Ji-Min Lee Video Editor: Andy Mackenzie and Will Walters Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Original music by Goss Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After crying in the Commons on Wednesday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves was back out today alongside Keir Starmer, who declared the two are “in lockstep”. But it’s going to take more than a fresh hairdo and a jolly photo op to convince voters – and indeed the markets – that all is well inside Government. Tim and Gordon consider whether their credibility is shot for good after the welfare fiasco; how the Chancellor will handle the £5 billion hole it created; and the NHS reform plans that were overshadowed by it all. Plus, while Nigel Farage is parking his tanks on Labour’s lawn, figures on the Left are circling too. Journalist Aaron Bastani explains why the Greens and independents like Jeremy Corbyn are making gains, as well as why Keir Starmer’s approach to governing is “deluded” and how working people “pay too little tax”. Read: The Left is ready to strike against Starmer’s miserable leadership, by Aaron Bastani Producer: Lilian Fawcett Senior Producer: John Cadigan Planning Editor: Venetia Rainey Social Media Producer: Ji-Min Lee Video Editor: Will Walters Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Original music by Goss Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour passed its welfare reform bill on Tuesday night – but only after yet another concession to rebel MPs which make the changes almost meaningless, and wipe out £5 billion in planned savings. Why was the process so appallingly handled? Will heads roll in Government? And why was Chancellor Rachel Reeves apparently crying during PMQs this afternoon? Plus, how one suspended doctor is fuelling Britain’s worklessness crisis by handing out sick notes on demand and without consultation. Camilla speaks to the Telegraph’s Janet Eastham, who went undercover to expose Dr Sick Ltd. Read: The suspended doctor selling sick notes on demand, by Janet Eastham Producer: Lilian Fawcett Senior Producer: John Cadigan Planning Editor: Venetia Rainey Social Media Producer: Robbie Nichols Video Editor: Will Walters Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Original music by Goss Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Friday marks exactly one year since Keir Starmer was elected as Prime Minister in a landslide victory. Despite only polling 33pc of the vote share, Labour trounced the Conservatives, came away with an enormous majority of 174, and looked set for two terms of governmental dominance. As Starmer himself put it, Labour was planning for "a decade of national renewal". Camilla Tominey and Tim Stanley discuss how - from Lord Alli's free clothes to Rachel Reeves's disastrous budget, from going to war with farmers to the Chagos giveaway, from u-turns on winter fuel payments to u-turns on welfare reforms - Keir Starmer has somehow managed to squander all of the momentum from his election win in just twelve months. With his record low approval ratings, is he already at risk of being replaced? And if so - who by? Producer: Lilian Fawcett Senior Producer: John Cadigan Planning Editor: Venetia Rainey Social Media Producer: Ji-Min Lee Video Editor: Will Walters Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Original music by Goss Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When rapper Bob Vylan led chants of “death to the IDF” at Glastonbury Festival over the weekend, the BBC did not cut away but instead continued to broadcast the event live. Now the PM has demanded an explanation, with the Tories’ Chris Philp even suggesting the national broadcaster itself should be prosecuted. Israel’s deputy foreign minister Sharren Haskel tells Camilla and Tim that the BBC’s reaction has been “pathetic” and that director general Tim Davie should consider resigning. Plus, the Government has been forced into its latest climbdown after more than 120 Labour MPs threatened to kybosh its benefits bill. But former work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan-Smith tells The Daily T that the Government’s welfare reforms don’t go nearly far enough. We want to hear from you! Email us at TheDailyT@telegraph.co.uk or find @dailytpodcast on X, Instagram and TikTok. Producer: Lilian Fawcett Senior Producer: John Cadigan Planning Editor: Venetia Rainey Social Media Producer: Ji-Min Lee Video Editor: Will Walters Studio Operator: Andy Watson Original music by Goss Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it actually possible to solve the problem of mass migration? And more specifically, that of illegal migration? It’s the policy issue that continues to sink successive governments - but Jeremy Hunt thinks he has the answer. Along with Camilla, Jeremy is joined by former Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Alex Chalk, and Director of the Migration Observatory, Madeleine Sumption to put his ideas to the test. In this special Daily T series inspired by his new book, Jeremy Hunt pitches his optimism and ideas to leading experts on how the UK can change the world for the better. From mass migration to leading the AI revolution, we ask, can we be great again? Can We Be Great Again?: Why a Dangerous World Needs Britain, by Jeremy Hunt (Swift Press), is out now: https://books.telegraph.co.uk/Product/Jeremy-Hunt/Can-We-be-Great-Again--Why-a-Dangerous-World-Needs-Britain/31045435 We want to hear from you! Email us at TheDailyT@telegraph.co.uk or find @dailytpodcast on X, Instagram and TikTok. Producer: Rosie Stopher Executive Producer: Louisa Wells Social Media Producer: Ji-Min Lee Video Editor: Andy Mackenzie Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Original music by Goss Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A major new YouGov poll has revealed that Reform UK would win the most seats of any party if a general election were held today, making Nigel Farage the leading contender to become the next prime minister. Camilla and Tim are joined by journalist and broadcaster Fraser Nelson, who is fronting a new 'Dispatches' documentary – "Will Nigel Farage Be Prime Minister?" – at 8pm tonight on Channel 4. Fraser explains why Farage has been so effective at mopping up disillusioned voters; his masterful use of social media; and how Labour and the Tories have paved the way for a Reform political earthquake. We want to hear from you! Email us at TheDailyT@telegraph.co.uk or find @dailytpodcast on X, Instagram and TikTok. Producer: Lilian Fawcett Senior Producer: John Cadigan Planning Editor: Venetia Rainey Social Media Producer: Ece Celik Video Editor: Will Walters Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Original music by Goss Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Almost one year in, and are the wheels falling off for Labour? Angela Rayner has confirmed that the vote on Labour’s hugely controversial welfare reforms will go ahead as planned next Tuesday – despite rumours that the Government were ready to pull the bill with the number of rebels ready to vote it down already exceeding 120. Camilla and Tim ask if the PM’s days will be numbered if he loses the vote, and with Kemi Badenoch promising to help the bill pass in exchange for meeting a series of demands – has she finally played something of a blinder? Elsewhere, Camilla and Tim find out what voters really think of issues like welfare and the NHS with polling guru Professor Sir John Curtice. We want to hear from you! Email us at TheDailyT@telegraph.co.uk or find @dailytpodcast on X, Instagram and TikTok. Producer: Lilian Fawcett Senior Producer: John Cadigan Planning Editor: Venetia Rainey Executive Producer: Louisa Wells Social Media Producer: Ece Celik Video Editor: Will Walters Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Original music by Goss Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leaked emails, toxic campaigns and political fallouts - Sarah Vine, journalist, columnist and ex-wife of former Conservative minister Michael Gove, has seen it all. In her revealing new book How Not to Be a Political Wife, Vine offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at some of the most explosive moments in modern British politics. From tense Cabinet rifts to personal fallouts with the Camerons, Vine shares her unfiltered account of life at the heart of Westminster. In this episode of The Daily T, Camilla sits down with Vine to talk about what it was really like being married to one of the UK’s most controversial MPs and how she built her own high-profile career in journalism. Producers: Georgia Coan and Lilian Fawcett Senior Producer: John Cadigan Planning Editor: Venetia Rainey Executive Producer: Louisa Wells Social Media Producer: Ji-Min Lee Video Editor: Will Walters Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Original music by Goss Studio News clips from BBC, Sky News and PA Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The coordinated bombing of major Iranian nuclear sites by American stealth bombers yesterday marked a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, amid fears that the conflict in the region could well now widen. Iran has promised “consequences” after its most secretive nuclear site, buried deep beneath a mountain, was hit by the US. Camilla Tominey and Tim Stanley speak to the former Security Minister who served in both Afghanistan and Iraq, Tom Tugendhat, who thinks Donald Trump was right to strike at the weekend, and that we should be concerned about Iran’s nuclear capabilities. And as Yvette Cooper proscribes Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, Camilla explains why she thinks Yvette Cooper is right to ban the protest group. We want to hear from you! Email us at TheDailyT@telegraph.co.uk or find @dailytpodcast on X, Instagram and TikTok. Producers: Georgia Coan and Lilian Fawcett Senior Producer: John Cadigan Planning Editor: Venetia Rainey Executive Producer: Louisa Wells Social Media Producer: Robbie Nichols Video Editor: Will Walters Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Original music by Goss Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.