Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins

Talk
  • 4.8 (20)
  • News Commentary
  • Updated Daily

Join Ian Collins on Talk for a lively, no-nonsense look at the day’s biggest stories, from politics and current affairs to culture and entertainment. Ian dives deep with expert guests, outspoken commentators, and compelling callers, bringing fresh angles and sharp analysis to everything making headlines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 18h ago

    Is Andy Burnham Dividing Britain?

    Is Andy Burnham creating a two-tier Britain? Just days into his premiership, the Prime Minister is facing criticism over a growing North-South divide, a string of expensive spending promises, and mounting questions about how his government will pay the bill. Journalist and author Michael Crick discusses claims that Burnham’s agenda risks deepening regional divisions, why his government is already under pressure over a raft of uncosted pledges, and reports that ministers have now been ordered to find savings despite announcing major new spending commitments. Robert Bates, Research Director at the Centre for Migration, examines the continuing row over asylum accommodation after a village voted on plans to leave the UK over migrant housing proposals, the legal challenge surrounding the use of an army base to house asylum seekers, and his own campaign to force the Government to publish data on serious crimes committed by migrants. Finally, former police officer and Fair Cop founder Harry Miller reacts to the planned early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers and the backlash after Wes Streeting and Shabana Mahmood apologised for joking about early prisoner releases. Has prison reform gone too far, and is public confidence in the justice system being undermined? Andy Burnham, North-South divide, Labour spending, asylum seekers, immigration, migrant crime, PC Andrew Harper, early prisoner release, criminal justice and British politics. Is Britain becoming more divided under the new government? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. 1d ago

    Burnham’s New Cabinet: Built to Win?

    Charlie Rowley sits in for Ian Collins. Andy Burnham’s cabinet: Built to win or to fail? On his first full day as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham has unveiled a dramatically reshaped Cabinet, appointing John Healey as Chancellor, Wes Streeting as Defence Secretary, bringing Angela Rayner back into government after her resignation over a tax scandal, and handing senior roles to key allies as he promises the biggest political changes in decades. Sam Lister, Associate Editor at the Express, assesses Burnham’s new top team, the political winners and losers, and whether the Prime Minister has assembled a Cabinet capable of delivering his ambitious agenda or one that risks deepening divisions within Labour. Economist Professor Jonathan Portes examines the economic challenges facing the new Chancellor, with UK public debt nearing £3 trillion and difficult decisions looming over borrowing, spending and the possibility of future tax rises. Former Conservative Defence Minister Sir Gerald Howarth gives his verdict on Wes Streeting’s appointment as Defence Secretary, asking whether he has the experience to oversee Britain’s armed forces at a time of growing international instability. Finally, James Heale, Deputy Political Editor at The Spectator, analyses Burnham’s sweeping Cabinet reshuffle, the return of Angela Rayner, the appointment of John Healey as Chancellor and whether this is a government built for long-term success or political turmoil. Andy Burnham, Cabinet reshuffle, John Healey, Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner, Chancellor, public debt, tax rises, Labour government and British politics. Has Burnham built a Cabinet to win or one destined to fail? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. 2d ago

    Burnham’s Vision: Will Britain Buy It?

    Can Andy Burnham unite Britain? The Prime Minister has unveiled his 10-year plan for the UK, promising to tackle the cost of living, rebuild public services and reshape the economy. But with critics warning of a new era of big government and polling suggesting many southern voters question his legitimacy, can Burnham win over the whole country? Alex Deane, political commentator, breaks down Burnham’s first major policy agenda, the promise to ease the cost of living, concerns over expanding the state, and whether the Prime Minister has secured a genuine mandate for change. Peter Cardwell, Talk presenter, and former Labour official Richard Power Sayeed debate whether Burnham’s programme represents a fresh direction for Britain or simply a return to traditional Labour politics. Finally, Lord Matthew Elliott, founder of the TaxPayers’ Alliance and former Vote Leave chief executive, gives his verdict on Burnham’s economic vision, the implications for taxpayers and business, and Boris Johnson’s latest intervention on Brexit, Partygate and the advice he says he would give the new Prime Minister. Andy Burnham, 10-year plan, cost of living, big state, Labour government, legitimacy, Brexit, Boris Johnson and Britain’s future. Can Burnham bring the country together behind his vision? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. 5d ago

    Can Andy Burnham Deliver?

    Has Andy Burnham finally set out his vision for Britain? After delivering his first major speech as Labour’s incoming leader, Burnham says he will offer a “new path for the UK” and attempt to reset British politics after the collapse of the Starmer era. Anna Mikhailova, Political Editor at Times Radio, reacts to Burnham’s speech and the mood inside Labour as the party prepares for a new chapter. What were the key pledges, and can Burnham convince voters that this is more than just a rebrand? From CPAC, former Thatcher adviser Nile Gardiner gives the international perspective, discussing what Burnham’s rise means for Britain’s relationship with the United States, NATO and the wider Western alliance at a time of growing global instability. Clark Vasey, Director of Blue Collar Conservatism, assesses whether Burnham’s message can win over working-class voters who have drifted away from Labour, while political commentator Sebastian Salek examines the broader implications for the Conservatives and Reform UK. We also discuss reports that Sadiq Khan has been awarded a peerage alongside several other Labour figures in one of Keir Starmer’s final acts before leaving Downing Street. What does it say about the outgoing Prime Minister’s priorities, and how will it be received by voters? Andy Burnham speech, Labour leadership, Starmer legacy, Sadiq Khan peerage, CPAC, NATO, Reform UK and the future of Britain. Is Burnham offering a genuine new direction for the country? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Jul 15

    Are Reform Politicians in Danger?

    Are Reform politicians in danger? The investigation into the killing of Ann Widdecombe has raised fresh concerns about the safety of elected representatives after police revealed the suspect may have targeted other Reform politicians as they investigate a suspected left-wing extremist motive. Political commentator Chloe Dobbs discusses the implications of the latest developments, including claims that Nigel Farage receives around 30 death threats every week, and asks whether Britain’s political climate has become increasingly dangerous for those in public life. Laila Cunningham, Reform UK’s London mayoral candidate for 2028, explains how the party is responding to heightened security concerns, whether Reform politicians are being disproportionately targeted, and what impact the threats are having on campaigning and public engagement. Finally, Lord Daniel Finkelstein, Times columnist and Conservative peer, assesses the wider implications for British democracy after Andy Burnham called for a review of MP safety. Should politicians receive greater protection, and how can democratic debate be safeguarded without isolating elected representatives from the public? Ann Widdecombe, Reform UK, Nigel Farage, political violence, death threats, extremism, MP security, Andy Burnham and British democracy. Are Reform politicians facing a growing security threat? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Jul 14

    When Did Politics Get So Toxic?

    When did politics get so toxic? The investigation into the killing of Ann Widdecombe has taken another dramatic turn after counter-terrorism police confirmed they are treating it as politically motivated. The decision has intensified concerns about the safety of politicians and the increasingly hostile climate surrounding public life in Britain. Political commentator Charlie Rowley discusses whether political debate has become dangerously polarised, why attacks on public figures appear to be increasing, and what this means for democracy. Security expert Will Geddes examines the threat facing MPs and other high-profile figures, asking whether existing protection measures are still adequate in the wake of the latest developments. Isabel Oakeshott, Talk International Editor, reacts to reports that detectives now believe the attack was politically motivated, following claims the suspect possessed communist literature and after police faced criticism for initially saying there was no indication of a political motive. What do the latest revelations tell us about the investigation, and were the police too quick to rule out terrorism? Finally, Dr Paul Stott, Head of Security and Extremism at Policy Exchange, assesses what the case reveals about political extremism in Britain, how ideologically motivated violence is evolving, and whether the country is doing enough to identify and prevent radicalisation before it turns deadly. Ann Widdecombe, political violence, terrorism, counter-terrorism policing, extremism, public figures, political security and radicalisation. Has Britain’s political culture become dangerously toxic? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Jul 13

    After Ann Widdecombe: Are Public Figures Under Threat?

    Have we reached the point where being a public figure in Britain is simply too dangerous? Following the killing of Ann Widdecombe, the investigation has taken another dramatic turn after the suspect was re-arrested and the case was taken over by counter-terrorism policing. Detectives say there is currently no evidence of a political motive, but the attack has reignited serious questions about the safety of Britain’s public figures. Former No.10 adviser Oscar Reddrop discusses whether politicians, campaigners and other high-profile public figures now face an unprecedented level of risk. After the murders of Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, the stabbing of Stephen Timms, the attack on Salman Rushdie, repeated intimidation of MPs and now the killing of Ann Widdecombe, has Britain’s political climate become dangerously hostile? Former Scotland Yard Detective Inspector and counter-terrorism specialist Philip Grindell examines how threat levels against MPs and public figures have evolved, why the investigation is now being led by counter-terrorism police, and whether current security arrangements are still fit for purpose. Should politicians receive greater protection, or would that further distance them from the public they represent? Ann Widdecombe, counter-terrorism investigation, anti-terror police, public figures, MP security, political violence, Jo Cox, Sir David Amess, Stephen Timms and threat protection. Has Britain become too dangerous for those in public life? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Jul 10

    Remembering Ann Widdecombe

    Mark Dolan sits in for Ian today as Ann Widdecombe dies aged 78. Britain is paying tribute to the former Conservative minister, broadcaster and one of the country’s best-known political figures after her sudden death. Police have launched an investigation after her death was initially treated as suspicious, as tributes pour in from across the political spectrum. Brendan O’Neill, Chief Political Writer at Spiked, reflects on Ann Widdecombe’s political legacy, from her years as Shadow Home Secretary to her outspoken views on crime, immigration and national identity. He also discusses the latest developments surrounding Nigel Farage, as questions continue over Reform UK donations, alongside violent disorder in central London after clashes involving Morocco football fans left a police officer in hospital. Former Ann Widdecombe aide Adam Newton shares personal memories of working alongside one of Britain’s most distinctive politicians, looking back at her years in frontline politics under William Hague, her media career and the impact she had on modern Conservatism. Finally, Gavin Mortimer, author and Spectator writer, examines the violence that erupted in London following Morocco’s football celebrations and asks whether Britain is facing a new challenge from organised football-related disorder linked to international fixtures. Ann Widdecombe dies, suspicious death investigation, former Conservative minister, Shadow Home Secretary, Nigel Farage, Reform donations, Morocco fans, London disorder, police officer injured and public order. Remembering one of Britain’s most recognisable political voices while examining the day’s biggest headlines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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4.8
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About

Join Ian Collins on Talk for a lively, no-nonsense look at the day’s biggest stories, from politics and current affairs to culture and entertainment. Ian dives deep with expert guests, outspoken commentators, and compelling callers, bringing fresh angles and sharp analysis to everything making headlines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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