The Standard

As we settle into the festive season, it’s time for a round-up of all the best TV from 2025.It’s been a jam-packed one, as ever, serving up lashings of humour, tragedy and a whole lot of sequels. Severance has returned for the first time in years, as has Stranger Things, and the Alien franchise has gotten its own TV spinoff for the first time ever.The Standard’s Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop is here to discuss the highlights - and lowlights - of the year, plus what to look forward to in 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s well-documented that our courts system is in crisis but following an investigation, The Standard can reveal that magistrates are sitting in secret to allow utility companies to break into people’s homes, granting warrants based on applications they have never seen.Back in late 2022, energy firms and courts were rocked by scandal when it was revealed that hundreds of thousands of warrants – including for the homes of some of Britain’s poorest people – were being “waved through” by magistrates.The government promised a clean-up and new court process, but a year-long probe by The Standard has uncovered disturbing practices - and the Chief Magistrate is investigating the concerns. The Standard’s Courts Correspondent Tristan Kirk is here with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It might be the festive season, but there’s fury in the corridors of power following a row which broke out regarding proposals that would see local elections delayed for a second year in a row for millions of voters. It comes as the government plans to abolish the two-tier system of district and county councils, creating a swathe of new local authorities that will be responsible for delivering services in their areas from 2028. In total, ministers have written to a total of 63 councils scheduled to hold elections in May 2026, although we won’t know for sure if they’re postponed until January.The Standard’s Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford is here with the latest.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The British Library is one of the UK’s greatest cultural institutions. However, behind the scenes, the staff who make it function are working longer hours for less pay, in worsening conditions. Now, with help from the PCS union, they’ve decided to fight back.But what does this means more broadly in terms of who is able to access and benefit from our cultural institutions? The Standard’s Culture Writer Claudia Cockerell is here with the findings of her special report on the subject - alongside footage of the strikers in action, from London tour guide Jenny Draper. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special preview from our sister podcast Brave New World, featuring a new episode from its latest series.Host Evgeny Lebedev sits down with Professor Tim Spector and Dr Federica Amati — the leading scientific minds behind personalised nutrition company ZOE — to rethink everything we’ve been told about food. They challenge myths around fats and calorie counting, unpack the damage caused by ultra-processed foods, and explain why eating for your gut microbes could be the key to better health.Listen to the full conversation on the Brave New World podcast here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 More than 17 million people arrive in the capital each year to celebrate one of London's most beloved cultural gemstones - theatre. But seeing a central London play can set you back hundreds of pounds, and the costs are only going up. Audiences are now being priced out with the average price of a top ticket rising by 50% between 2023 and 2024 to 146 pounds and 61 pence a seat.So who or what is to blame for the situation? Is this just a callous cash grab, and what does it all mean for the future of London’s West End? We're joined by The Standard’s Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop, who has been investigating the issue for the latest special report.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At least 15 people including a London-born rabbi have died and dozens more remain in hospital following a shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach. The attack was declared a terrorist incident, and targeted a Hanukkah celebration at a park next to the beach on the first day of the Jewish festival of lights.It comes as Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones has said that Britain is being blighted by an “abhorrent” rise in anti-Semitism. We’re joined by Emily Hilton, who grew up around Bondi beach in Sydney and is the international policy director at Diaspora Alliance, a Jewish-led organisation that works to oppose antisemitism and its politicisation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Londoners will have to pay more in transport costs from March 2026, as mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has revealed that tube fares are set to rise.The cost of a single tube journey in zone 1, central London will be hiked by up to 7.1 per cent, which is about double the current rate of inflation. According to details published by City Hall, most Tube and train fares – for TfL services such as the Elizabeth line and London Overground – will increase by a maximum of 20p, although many fares will only increase by 10p.For the first time in years, bus fares will also be increased, although not until July.  The Standard’s City Hall and Transport Editor Ross Lydall is here with the latest - and also shares what action he’d take if he were London mayor for the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Londoners are being urged to get the flu vaccine in the next few days to get maximum protection by Christmas Day, as the capital experiences a tidal wave of contagious super flu.Cases are rising sharply in the capital, new figures revealed, as health chiefs warned the NHS was facing a “worst-case scenario” with the doctors’ strike set to start next week.Those with flu-like symptoms are being urged to stay at home rather than risk spreading the virus on the Tube, trains, buses and in the workplace.The Standard’s Political Editor Nic Cecil is here with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A “world-leading” social media ban has been enforced by the Australian government, to prevent under-16s from accessing social media sites, including Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. Platforms that do not comply risk fines of up to $49.5m.Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the move as "the day when Australian families are taking back power from these big tech companies". The ban has garnered worldwide attention, with several nations indicating they will adopt a ban of their own, including Malaysia, Denmark and Norway.But could similar legislation be introduced in the UK? We’re joined by Daisy Greenwell - founder of Smartphone Free Childhood, a movement of families standing together to delay smartphones and social media - to discuss.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.