Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins

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

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. 22h ago

    Burnham’s 10-Year Britain: Trust Him or Stop Him?

    Would you give Andy Burnham 10 years? The Prime Minister says he needs a decade to transform Britain, but critics warn his plans could mean higher taxes, bigger government and little immediate relief for struggling families. Linda Duberley reacts after Burnham unveiled his 10-year vision for Britain, amid claims that middle-class taxpayers could be hit with fresh tax rises to fund Labour’s long-term agenda. Can Burnham deliver the change he promises, or is he asking voters for too much time? Political scientist Dr Andy Mycock and politics professor Anthony Glees assess whether Burnham has the political capital to reshape Britain, and whether the public will back a Prime Minister asking to be judged over a decade rather than a single Parliament. Meanwhile, Lucy Moreton, Professional Officer for the Immigration Services Union, discusses sweeping new plans to overhaul the asylum system after Shabana Mahmood proposed using members of the public to help decide asylum appeals. We also examine fresh figures showing a record 20,000 foreign criminals have avoided deportation, reports that thousands of deported migrants have returned to Britain, and claims that Labour has quietly dropped restrictions on illegal migrants gaining British citizenship. Has Britain lost control of its immigration system? Andy Burnham, 10-year plan, tax rises, asylum appeals, foreign criminals, deportations, illegal migration, British citizenship and border security. Would you give Burnham 10 years to change Britain? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min

  2. 4d ago

    Burnham’s Britain: Borders, Net Zero and the Trump Challenge

    Is Andy Burnham already winning over Britain? New polling suggests Britons would rather see Andy Burnham in No.10 than Nigel Farage, as the new Prime Minister faces his first major tests on the economy, immigration and Net Zero. Mark Littlewood, Director of Popular Conservatism, reacts after Donald Trump branded Burnham “extremely liberal” during a White House appearance. Is Burnham heading for a clash with the US President, and what does his rise mean for the future of British politics? Energy policy expert David Turver examines what a Burnham government could mean for Net Zero, energy bills and economic growth, as businesses and investors seek clarity on Labour’s direction. Annunziata Rees-Mogg, Head of Communications at Popular Conservatism, discusses explosive claims that more than 60,000 migrants have no right to be in Britain, alongside reports that tens of thousands of illegal migrants are effectively unaccounted for. Has Britain lost control of its borders, and can any government get a grip on the crisis? Later, acclaimed author and academic Bjorn Lomborg joins us to debate the cost of climate change policies, whether governments are getting the balance right, and if Net Zero strategies are making ordinary people poorer without delivering the promised results. Andy Burnham, Donald Trump, Nigel Farage, immigration, illegal migration, Net Zero, energy bills and climate policy. Is Britain embracing Burnham’s vision or heading for a political reckoning? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min

  3. 5d ago

    Can Andy Burnham Turn Britain Around?

    Can Andy Burnham turn our country around? Just days after Keir Starmer’s resignation, attention is turning from Labour’s leadership drama to a bigger question: is Burnham ready to govern? Giles Dilnot, Editor of ConservativeHome, reacts as Burnham and Starmer hold talks on an “orderly transition” amid reports that Burnham’s team is scrambling to prepare for power after being caught off guard by the speed of events. Is Labour ready for government, or already showing signs of chaos? Harry Cole, Editor-at-Large of The Sun, discusses growing concern in the City over reports that Burnham could hand one of the biggest jobs in government to Ed Miliband, raising questions about tax, spending, Net Zero and the future direction of the British economy. Would a Burnham government bring stability or spook investors? We also bring you the latest from the ARC Conference, where former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison warns that Western nations must regain control of immigration. What lessons can Britain learn from Australia on borders, migration and national identity? Andy Burnham, Labour transition, Ed Miliband, the economy, Net Zero, immigration, Scott Morrison and Britain’s future. Can Burnham deliver the change Britain has been promised? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min

  4. 6d ago

    The Battle for Labour: Should Burnham Be Challenged?

    Should Andy Burnham face a leadership challenge? Just hours after Keir Starmer’s resignation, Labour is already facing a fierce battle over who should take control of the party, with some MPs reportedly moving to stop what they fear could become a Burnham coronation. Matthew Syed, columnist for The Times and The Sunday Times, joins us live as Westminster reacts to Burnham’s dramatic arrival in Parliament amid scenes of celebration from supporters and growing unease among critics. Does Burnham have a mandate to lead, or should Labour members and MPs have a genuine contest? Mike Galsworthy, Chair of the European Movement UK, discusses reports that Brussels is rethinking its approach to post-Brexit negotiations following Starmer’s departure, and what a Burnham leadership could mean for Britain’s future relationship with the European Union. Ten years after Brexit, has the country benefited or paid the price? Lord Matthew Elliott, former Vote Leave chief executive and author of Ten Years On: The Untold Story of Brexit, reflects on the legacy of the referendum and whether Britain has delivered on the promises of Brexit. Later, Lord Toby Young examines the growing backlash against Burnham’s rise, as well as concerns over Labour’s proposed changes to jury trials and what they could mean for free speech, civil liberties and the justice system. Andy Burnham, Labour leadership battle, Starmer resignation, Brexit at 10, EU relations, free speech and jury trials. Is Burnham the leader Labour wants, or simply the leader Labour expects? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min

  5. Jun 22

    Starmer Resigns: Can Andy Burnham Save Britain?

    Will Andy Burnham save Britain? Following the dramatic resignation of Keir Starmer, Labour is entering a new era as attention turns to who will lead the party, and the country, next. Martin Beckford, Policy Editor at the Daily Mail, reacts to Starmer’s emotional departure from Downing Street after months of political turmoil, Cabinet infighting and mounting pressure from Labour MPs. What finally brought down a Prime Minister who entered office with a huge majority? Jonathan Gullis, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, gives his verdict on Labour’s leadership crisis and whether Andy Burnham represents a genuine change of direction or simply a continuation of the same policies that helped force Starmer out. Former Labour adviser Patrick Diamond assesses Burnham’s prospects after reports that he wants three months to prepare for No.10. Can the Greater Manchester Mayor reunite Labour, win back voters and restore confidence in government? Economist Liam Halligan examines what a Burnham premiership could mean for Britain’s economy, taxes, spending and growth, as markets and businesses prepare for a potentially significant shift in direction. Starmer resigns, Andy Burnham, Labour leadership race, No.10 battle, Reform UK, the Conservatives, economic policy and Britain’s future. Is Andy Burnham the answer to Britain’s problems? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min

  6. Jun 17

    700+ Migrants in a Day: Can Anyone Stop the Boats?

    Can any party stop the small boats crisis? With more than 700 migrants crossing the Channel in a single day, the highest daily total of the year so far, pressure is mounting on the Government as critics argue that every major party has failed to get a grip on illegal migration. Isabel Oakeshott, Talk International Editor, reacts to the latest Channel crossing figures and asks whether Labour, the Conservatives or Reform have a credible plan to stop the boats and restore control of Britain’s borders. Business Affairs Editor at The Sun James Flanders discusses controversial new figures showing a surge in Personal Independence Payment claims, including for anxiety-related conditions, with growing debate over welfare spending, economic inactivity and whether the benefits system is fit for purpose. Former Old Bailey judge Wendy Joseph KC joins us to examine plans to overhaul murder laws by introducing first and second-degree murder charges. Would the changes deliver fairer justice for victims and defendants, or risk creating greater complexity in the courts? Small boats crisis, Channel crossings, immigration, welfare spending, PIP claims, economic inactivity, murder law reform and criminal justice. Can Britain’s political class solve the problems voters care most about? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min

  7. Jun 16

    Toxic Britain? Politics, Public Anger and the Breakdown of Trust

    How has politics become so toxic? Ten years after the murder of MP Jo Cox, concerns are growing that political debate in Britain is becoming increasingly angry, polarised and hostile, both online and offline. Charlie Rowley, political commentator, reacts to warnings that political discourse is more poisonous than ever, with growing concerns about intimidation, abuse and the impact of social media on public debate. Former Liberal Democrat MP Tom Brake and HuffPost UK Political Editor Kevin Schofield discuss whether Britain’s political culture has fundamentally changed since the Jo Cox murder, why trust in politicians continues to decline, and whether Westminster is becoming more divided rather than more united. Meanwhile, barrister and broadcaster Chris Daw KC joins us to discuss two major criminal justice stories. First, the sentence handed to the killer of Henry Nowak is set to be reviewed by the Court of Appeal following public controversy over the case. We also examine the shocking conviction of a teacher found guilty of murdering and sexually abusing an adopted baby boy, alongside questions about whether multiple opportunities to protect the child were missed. Political toxicity, Jo Cox, online abuse, trust in politics, Henry Nowak appeal, child protection failures and criminal justice. Has Britain become a more angry and divided country? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min

  8. Jun 15

    Social Media Ban: Protecting Children or State Overreach?

    Should under-16s be banned from social media? With Keir Starmer unveiling plans for sweeping new restrictions on children’s access to social media, Britain is facing a major debate over online safety, parental responsibility, free speech and the role of Big Tech. Harrison Allman-Varty, Leader of Reform UK on Elmbridge Borough Council, reacts to the proposed ban and asks whether the Government is right to intervene or whether parents, not politicians, should be making these decisions. In a head-to-head debate, Ben Kingsley from SafeScreens argues the restrictions are needed to protect children from harmful content, addiction and online exploitation, while Jack Coulson warns the plans could set a dangerous precedent for privacy, freedom and state control of the internet. Meanwhile, Middle East correspondent Patrick Cockburn joins us after the United States and Iran announced a deal to end military operations, with Donald Trump declaring “let the oil flow”. We’ll discuss whether the ceasefire will hold, what it means for global stability and why oil prices have fallen sharply in response. Social media ban, under-16s, online safety, free speech, Big Tech, Trump, Iran ceasefire, Middle East conflict and oil prices. Should the Government decide what children can see online? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 min
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4.8
out of 5
20 Ratings

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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