The News Agents Podcast

Today, in a marked change of tone, Rachel Reeves laid out her spending review. The Chancellor set out budgets for government departments, boosting budgets for the NHS and Home Office. But the Tories are calling her approach "spend now, tax later".

So is this the plan too ambitious? And are tax rises inevitable in the Autumn? And can Reeve's spending review help to rebuild her reputation? We speak to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Keir Starmer has done his first media round since the u-turn on winter fuel payments, attempting to argue that the countrys finances are now stable and also still reeling from Liz Truss mini budget. 9 million pensioners are now eligible for the benefit. Including many well off couples. Is this really the best use of public money when young families are struggling and child poverty is double the level of pensioner poverty?

Later, the SNPs Stephen Flynn joins us in the studio to talk about Gaza, Reform, the SNPs record in government, and that Hamilton by-election result.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why has Trump sent the National Guard onto the streets of L.A. to deal with protests against his immigration raids? Normally, this would only happen at the invitation of the State's governor. This time, Trump acted without consultation - and the governor, Gavin Newsom, is now threatening to sue him.

Is Trump right to say he needs to assert law and order on a few protestors before it gets out of control? Is this a personal vendetta against Newsom? Or might it be for more sinister reasons - a dress rehearsal for a President working out how to use emergency powers to seize control of local operations of government?

Later, actor comedian poet and writer Tim Key joins us to discuss his smash hit film 'The Ballad of Wallis Island' - and an update on the Chancellor's winter fuel u-turn.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Last night, one of the world's most powerful relationships came to a dramatic end. Over the course of one evening, Elon Musk set fire to his already fracturing partnership with Donald Trump. The bitter feud over Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' spilled out to accusations that the President is in the Epstein files and calls for his impeachment.

As the break up plays out on social media, Jon and Lewis ask is the bromance truly over? Will Trump sell his Tesla? Will Musk be deported? And is there any coming back from this war of words?

Later - does Zia Yusuf's departure as Reform chairman derail Nigel Farage's pitch to voters?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

This week on The Sports Agents...

With the NBA Finals starting, Gabby and Mark chat about Michael Jordan returning to our screens and why the NBA hasn't taken off in the UK with host of The Athletic’s NBA Daily podcast, Dave DuFour. (03:30)

Comedian Lee Mack joined us for a laugh ahead of Soccer Aid, spilling the secrets from playing with some of the world's most famous footballers. (09:30)

Former Chelsea and Nigeria player John Obi Mikel came into the studio to chat about the upcoming Club World Cup and whether players really stop playing football when they're on holiday. (14:45)

Is PSG winning Champions League masking the terrible financial state of Ligue 1? We speak to Tariq Panja, Global Sports Correspondent for the New York Times. (18:15)

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at [email protected]

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.