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There were 149 murders in London last year, the highest figure in 11 years. The Conservatives say “crime is clearly the Mayor’s biggest failing” and claim figures show that Sadiq Khan, the police and the crime commissioner for London have failed to give the Met the support it needs. Greg Hands – former Chief Secretary to the Treasury and current MP for Chelsea and Fulham - has recently been appointed chairman of Shaun Bailey’s mayoral campaign and today pledged a New York-style crackdown on crime in a bid to regain the London mayoralty. The Evening Standard’s City Hall editor Ross Lydall joins The Leader podcast to explain why Shaun Bailey and his team believe solving crime is a winner for them.  Museum of London to celebrate Dub Reggae: The Museum of London is celebrating Dub Reggae music and its culture in the capital, from its roots in Jamaican reggae to how it has shaped communities and culture over the last 50 years.  Highlights will include a speaker stack from one of London’s leading reggae sound systems, a working custom-built record shop and images, memories and voices from the world of Dub Reggae music and culture both past and present. Terry Dhaliwal Davies is running the custom-built record shop at the exhibition and speaks to The Leader podcast. Dub London opens 8 May 2020 and will be free to view. Further details and information can be found here: https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london/whats-on/exhibitions/dub-london TRANSCRIPT: David Marsland   The Leader brings you the best of the Evening Standard interview's, news and analysis every day at 4pm. Subscribe to make sure you don't miss an episode. Now, from the Evening Standard in London, this is The Leader. Hi, I'm David Marsland. The chairman of Tory mayor candidate Shaun Bailey's campaign has written for the Standard about London's crime problem. Greg Hands   Crime is clearly the mayor's biggest failing and that is the biggest area of public concern.  David Marsland   Greg Hands has also spoken to our City Hall editor Ross Lydall. How will the Conservatives overcome Sadiq Khan's big lead heading into the election? And... Terry Dhaliwal Davies   Music that they have probably heard but not probably discovered, where it's come from, where it originated from and the influence it has on Londoners David Marsland   The Museum of London's opening its own record store to celebrate the city's links with dub reggae. Taken from the Evening Standard editorial column This is The Leader, for the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/comment. In a moment: the Conservatives are attacking Sadiq Khan's record on crime as the London mayoral election approaches. David Masland Greg Hands - the former government minister - has been appointed as Tory mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey's campaign chairman, and he's written in the Standard about what he sees as the city's need for the mayor to relentlessly bear down on crime, just like Rudy Giuliani did with the zero tolerance approach that cleaned up New York in the 90s. Our editorial column said It's gonna be a hot issue in may's election. ES Comment   Past contests have focused on things such as housing, clean air and transport. They will be important this time, but there's no doubt about the biggest issue, crime. The Conservative candidate Shaun Bailey, is making a strong case Shaun Bailey   The story of 2019 will be a record amount of homicides in London. As individuals devastated that communities afraid, ES Comment   He grew up on a council estate near Grenfell Tower. He founded a youth charity and advised the Prime Minister. He knows the dangers of gang violence. Of course, Londoners will want to hear what Mr. Bailey's actual plan is, you'll need to do more than promise to crack down, And he'll face a serious challenge from other candidates, such as Rory Ste...

Boris Johnson is calling for the nuclear pact with Iran to be replaced with a new “Trump deal”. In an interview with the BBC, he says it’s time to “dial down” tension in the Middle East, after the US assassination of Iranian general Quasem Soleimani. The Evening Standard’s deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil’s covering the story and joins The Leader podcast.   Harry and Meghan’s possible future home: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are borrowing a $14 million mansion on Vancouver Island while their future is finalised. ES Magazine Editor-in-Chief Laura Weir wrote a piece in the Evening Standard today revealing why the destination is so desirable, and joins the podcast to discuss why the it could be the perfect place for the Sussexes to make a new life.   BTS x Serpentine collaboration: Korean pop group BTS – the biggest boyband in the world – are releasing an art exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery in London, the Evening Standard’s Arts Correspondent Robert Dex joins The Leader podcast to explain the motive behind the unusual move. TRANSCRIPT: David Marsland   From the Evening Standard in London, this is The Leader Hi I'm David Marsland, Boris Johnson's told America and Iran to dial it down and make a deal Nicholas Cecil   Mr. Johnson did praise Mr Trump as a great deal maker, David Marsland   Our deputy political editor Nicholas Cecile and the Prime Minister surprise intervention into US politics, also: Laura Weir   The ones I saw were pretty massive, you know, they're these amazing beautiful wooden structures often like mansions with, you know, various entrances for boats to more and platforms for people to dive off and BBQ gardens and terraces.  David Marsland   We speak to ES magazine editor in chief Laura Weir about her time in the same area Harry and Megan are borrowing a $14 million mansion while their future is finalized. And: Robert Dex   It's a very unusual move and you can see why the serpentine said yes though. David Marsland   South Korea's BTS are the biggest boy band in the world, why are they collaborating with London's Serpentine on a massive art project? The Standard's Robert tax explains. Taken from the Evening Standard editorial column, this is The Leader. For the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/comment. In a moment Nicholas Cecil on Boris Johnson's appeal to the US and Iran. David Marsland Boris Johnson's calling for the nuclear pact with Iran to be replaced with a new Trump deal. In an interview with the BBC he says it's time to dial down tension in the Middle East after the US assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Our deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil is covering the story. Nicholas, this seems like quite a surprising intervention. Nicholas Cecil   Boris Johnson's language Which has certainly caught people in diplomatic circles by surprise, because on the face of it, he appears now to be pushing the idea of replacing the JCP OA, which is the nuclear agreement struck in 2015 between Tehran and major world powers. Now, if you contrast this with the language of foreign secretary Dominic Raab, who tweeted just a few hours later on this issue, and there does seem to be at least a difference in emphasis, as Mr. Raab is talking about preserving the nuclear deal. This morning he announced that Britain, France and Germany had triggered a dispute resolution mechanism for breaches by Iran of the nuclear deal. And he stressed we want to bring Iran back into full compliance and preserve the deal David Marsland   Is Boris Johnson acknowledging that the current nuclear deal with Iran is over? Nicholas Cecil   I would not go quite so far this stage and say that Britain regards to JCPOA is dead but it is in a critical condition after Donald Trump pulled the us out of it in 2018, and hopes and not high that Tehran will fall back in...

Rory Stewart writes in today’s Evening Standard that he ‘guarantees’ to reduce knife crime deaths in London if elected mayor – and has volunteered to resign if he fails. The Leader podcast speaks exclusively with the London Mayoral candidate to grill him on his claims.  The Sandringham Summit: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle faced a crunch summit today with the Queen, the Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge Prince William and other senior royals. The subject: Harry’s future in the royal family following his and Meghan’s shock ‘resignation’ last week, and who will pay for it. An exclusive report in the Evening Standard reveals that Justin Trudeau has privately assured the Queen that Canadian taxpayers will foot the bill for the Duke and Duchess’s security while in the country. The author of that report, Royal Editor Robert Jobson, joins The Leader podcast to discuss Harry and Meghan’s future, and how Trudeau’s promise will go down in Canada. Flybe collapse: Europe’s largest regional carrier Flybe is reportedly on the brink of collapse, leaving around 2,000 jobs at risk. Travel journalist Simon Calder joins The Leader podcast to discuss what this means for passengers. TRANSCRIPT: David Marsland   Welcome to The Leader the Evening Standards daily news, analysis and commentary podcast. It's released at 4pm every day, make sure you get it on time by subscribing through your preferred podcast provider. Now from the Evening Standard in London, this is The Leader. Hi, I'm David Marsland, Rory Stewart's spoken to the Leader about his ambitions to be London mayor and lay down a challenge to Boris Johnson.  Rory Stewart   I can criticize Labour, I can criticize Conservatives. The only thing that I care about is sorting out London. So I can say to Boris Johnson deliver those 6,600 police officers. You said you're going to do it. We want them now.  David Marsland   He speaks about his commitment to bring down knife crime in the city. And will he really resign if he can't. Also... Robert Jobson   The Queen is the queen of Canada and this is her grandson, a of the relm, the Prime Minister's said that he will make sure that he's safe. David Marsland   Royal editor Robert Johnson as Harry is summoned to meet the Queen over he and Megan's resignation from the family and our exclusive report on Canada offering to pay for the rebel couple security and... Simon Calder   it's been going through a pretty rough time in terms of the slump in Sterling after the Brexit vote which means that their costs which are in US dollars have increased  David Marsland   Travel journalist Simon Calder on Flybe the budget airline reported to be on the verge of collapse Taken from the Evening Standard'S editorial column This is The Leader for the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/comment. In a moment Rory Stewart and how he'll tackle knife crime in London. Rory Stewart's surprise announcement that he's running for London Mayor set the election alight in October. But as an independent candidate, the man who once ran for the Tory leadership has been some distance behind Sadiq Khan. The last poll released by YOU Gov/ QMUL in November, showed him in third place with 13% behind the Conservative Shaun Bailey on 23 and Mr. Khan with 45. Nevertheless, our editorial column thinks the run up to the vote will prove interesting. ES Comment   Londoners get to pick their next mayor in May. The contest is heating up. Rory Stewart is a credible challenger with big ideas on things such as crime. The Conservative candidate Shaun Bailey has big ideas and will fight to win too, and the current mayor Sadiq Khan will defend his record as a leader who can bring a diverse city together. It's going to be a fascinating battle. David Marsland   Rory Stewart's written for the Standard about his commitment to ta...

International pressure is bearing down on Iran, who are accused of shooting down the Boeing 737 Ukrainian Airlines plane that crashed minutes after take-off from Imam Kohmeini airport in Tehran. Several of the Western nations’ intelligence services believe that Iran may have accidently shot the plane down. Iran has invited manufacture Boeing to investigate the crash of the Ukrainian Airlines plane but still reject the claims and are refusing to answer questions. What is the truth? The Evening Standard’s Deputy Political Editor Nicholas Cecil joins The Leader podcast from parliament. Meghan jets off to Toronto: Harry and Meghan ‘quit’ the Royal family in a bombshell announcement this week, and the Duchess of Sussex has already left for Canada to be with their son Archie. The front page of the Evening Standard today says they see themselves as “disrupters”. The Evening Standard’s Jonathan Prynn who has been reporting on the Royals speaks to The Leader podcast about Harry and Meghan’s emerging future plans.  TRANSCRIPT: David Marsland   Released at 4pm every weekday The Leader brings you the best of the Evening Standard's news commentary and analysis. Subscribe to make sure you don't miss an episode from the Evening Standard in London.... This, is The Leader Hi, I'm David Marsland. International pressure is bearing down on Iran accused of shooting down a passenger plane with 176 lives lost. Nicholas Cecil   There already appears to be signs of a possible cover up with debris from the plane having already been bulldozed away from the crash site. David Marsland   Our deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil on the questions Tehran refuses to answer Also. Jonathan Prynn    the Sussexes see themselves as young, energetic challengers David Marsland   Jonathan Prynn speaks to The Leader as details begin to emerge of Harry and Megan's future plans. They want to be disruptors. Taken from the Evening Standard editorial column this is The Leader, for the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/comment, in a moment: why Iran must tell the truth about the plane crash thatlooks like a tragic mistake. Around 1030 at night on Wednesday and explosion it was heard over to run. Out of breath rescuers race to the site where the passenger plane had come down, but the only found flames, none of the 176 on board survived. Justin Trudeau   We have intelligencee from multiple sources, including our allies and our own intelligence, the evidence indicates that the plane was shot down by an Iranian surface to air missile. David Marsland   Canadian president Justin Trudeau addressing a country that lost 63 of its citizens lay the blame at around that night at attack to us basis in Iraq. Donald Trump   I have my suspicions, because somebody could have made a mistake on the other side. David Marsland   Tehran's denying it. Our editorial column doesn't believe them. ES Comment   So far, the response of the Iranian regime has been lamentable, with one official claiming, bizarrely, that scientifically it's impossible for a missile to have downed the plane. To begin, it should answer key questions, including whether any anti aircraft missiles were fired by its forces, at the time of the crash. Tehran must also allow independent analysis of the planes black box and ensure the crash site is preserved. Not purged of evidence as seems to be happening. Full access with safe passage must also be given to international investigators to let them access the evidence independently. Even if what's happened was an error caused by an overly jumpy response to the risk of another us strike, then Iran will still be guilty of reckless killing. The families will never get their loved ones back. Iran must tell the truth now. David Marsland   The Evening Standard's deputy political editor Nicholas Cec...

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sent shockwaves around the world when they announced their desire to step back from ‘senior’ roles in the royal family. It has since emerged that Prince Harry defied both the Queen and Prince Charles in releasing the statement when he did. The move is dramatic, unprecedented, and controversially-timed with the Duchess of Cambridge’s birthday. Was it the right thing to do? The Evening Standard’s royal editor, Robert Jobson joins The Leader podcast to discuss the on the timeline that led to an historic announcement – and the earthquake it’s sent through Buckingham Palace Re-launching a new Royal brand: There has been much media speculation about the Duchess of Sussex’s role in the couple’s decision. Evening Standard columnist Anne McElvoy met Meghan Markle recently, and joins The Leader podcast with her impressions – was she a rebel desperate to escape ‘the firm’? Royals in America: Harry and Meghan have said they plan to balance their time between the UK and North America. Much has been made of a possible move to Canada, perhaps Toronto. However the Evening Standard’s US correspondent David Gardner says it seems the royal couple have another major coastal city in mind – and it’s even further away. Listen to the podcast to find out where it is, and how George Clooney and Oprah Winfrey might have had a hand in the Sussex’s decision. Subscribe to find us every week day from 4pm. TRANSCRIPT: David Marsland   Thanks for listening to The Leader and before we start, thanks to the Publisher Podcast Awards who've just shortlisted us in their best news and current affairs category, they're following the leader and you can too by subscribing through your podcast provider. Now, from the Evening Standard in London, this is The Leader. Hi, I'm David Marsland. This is the inside story of how Harry defied the Queen to say he and Meghan acquitting the Royal family. Robert Jobson   What was clear, very clear is that she told Harry that he did not want him going public about any of these possible future plans until they've been fully discussed. Well, he did David Marsland   Our Royal editor Robert Johnson on the timeline that led to an historic announcement and the earthquake it sent through Buckingham Palace. Also, Anne McElvoy   The presence of Meghan Markel, the Duchess of Sussex in the equation is clearly a catalyst for something that's been very dramatic. But I don't think it's fair to say he's been led by his wife, David Marsland   Standard columnist and senior editor of The Economist Anne McElvoy speaks to The Leader about her meeting with Meghan last year. Were there any signs of what was to come? And... David Gardner   Meghan has been discussing the move with her celebrity friends. People like George Clooney, Oprah Winfrey, they've been very critical about the kind of treatment to that Meghan and Harry have had at the hands of the British media David Marsland   From LA or US correspondent David Gardner and how the couple appear to be planning to build a base and perhaps a business in Hollywood. Taken from the Evening Standard editorial column, this is The Leader for the whole thing, pick up the newspaper or head to Standard.co.uk/comment, in a moment- What really happened behind the Buckingham Palace gates? Around two hours after Harry and Meghan released their carefully worded seven line long bombshell statement, Buckingham Palace slipped out its own. Discussions with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage it said, we understand their desire to take a different approach. But these are complicated issues that will take time to work through. That's it. That's the statement our editorial column thinks it says enough, ES Comment   How very sad Harry and Megan had so much to contribute to the royal family. They brought an informality and a modernity to an ancient institution that has st...

Iran has launched rocket attacks on two Iraqi bases housing US troops. The missile strikes came in retaliation to the US drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Iran’s supreme leader has said the missile attack was “not enough”. As tensions continue to rise between the two nations, The Leader podcast speaks to the Evening Standard’s Defence editor Robert Fox.   £1 million grant to cut school exclusions:  To coincide with an in-depth investigation into secondary school exclusions, looking into the best way to improve grades and help curve sustained bad behaviour, the Evening Standard are launching a £1 million campaign to radically cut exclusions. Eliza Reberio founded the Lives not Knives campaign aimed at tackling youth crime and gang culture. Eliza was sent to a Pupil Refferal Unit when she was younger and tells The Leader podcast why teens are most likely behaving badly in school and why they need better support. Subscribe to find us from 4pm every week day. TRANSCRIPT: David Marsland   Welcome to The Leader of the Evening Standard's daily news commentary and analysis podcast. We're here at 4pm, make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing. now, from the Evening Standard in London. This is The Leader. Hi, I'm David Marsland. Iran battered two US military bases in Iraq with at least 15 ballistic missiles, is war next? Robert Fox   What the Iranians are fervently hoping for is a pause because the real unknown for them is Trump and Trumps total unpredictability David Marsland   Our deffence editor Robert Fox as the Middle East and the world is waiting for the US to respond. Also, Eliza Reberio   if this happened when they were eight, nine and 10, why are we then waiting for when they're 14/15 to be excluded from school for us to support them? David Marsland   We talked to a young woman whose life was nearly ruined after being kicked out of school. As the Evening Standard launches a million pound campaign to cut exclusions. Taken from the Evening Standard editorial column This is The Leader, for the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/comment. In a moment defence editor Robert Fox on the crisis in Iran... For half an hour from around 1030 at night Iran pounded two US bases in Iraq with ballistic missiles. Revenge said the country state TV for the White House ordered killing of General Qassem Soleimani. In Tehan crowds chanting God is great and death to America. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei suggested Iran was just getting started. [Clip], David: Last night we slapped them, he said, and added these military actions are not enough for revenge. Boris Johnson   Our most reasonable people would accept that the United States has a right to protect its bases and its personnel.  In the House of Commons Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave her support to the US, but called for de escalation in the Middle East. And for all the Ayatollah's tough words, there are some who believe a targeted strike that appears to have killed new one. Maybe arounds attempted a face saving retaliation, that doesn't provoke a stronger response. The Evening Standard's Defence editor Robert Fox has been talking to sources in the Middle East. Robert, could this action draw a line under the affair? Robert Fox   No I don't think it'll draw a line under the whole affair but I think that what the Iranians are fervently hoping for is a pause, because the real unknown for them is Trump and Trump's total unpredictability, when he's gonna to talk peace when he's going to be a pussycat. Or when he's suddenly going to go for a big strike, and it would taking out Soleimani was a really very big strike and a very provocative one. An Iraqi friend of mine said overnight, and he'd been talking to friends in Iran and Iraq, said this is really thrown a loop around them. They're utterly confused. They don't know what to do. And b...

A British teenager has been sentenced to a four month suspended jail sentence accused of lying about being gang-raped in Cyprus. Judge Michalis Papathanasiou told her he was giving her a "second chance". The teenager has maintained that she was raped and said she was forced to change her account under pressure from Cypriot police.​ The Leader podcast spoke to courts correspondent Tristan Kirk on what the 19 year old’s family will do now once they’re home. Labour leadership Shadow business secretary, Rebecca Long-Bailey, has announced her position in the Labour leadership race and has launched a thinly-veiled attack on Sir Keir Starmer over lack of confidence in regards to Brexit. The candidates join Clive Lewis, Lisa Nandy, Jess Phillips and Emily Thornberry in the battle to lead the party. Political correspondent Sophia Sleigh joins us from the Standard’s Parliament office.  Bafta nominations The Bafta nominations have been announced and for the seventh year in a row there are no women on the Best Director list. The Evening Standard’s film critic Charlotte O’Sullivan joins The Leader podcast to say BAFTA can’t get away with this. We're here each week day at 4pm - make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing. TRANSCRIPT: David Marsland   Welcome to The Leader, the Evening Standard's, daily news commentary and analysis podcast. We're here at 4pm make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing. Now, from the Evening Standard in London, this is The Leader Hi, I'm David Marsland, a British teenager convicted of lying about being gang raped in Cyprus avoids jail, and the campaign continues to clear her name Tristan Kirk   but her legal team made it very clear. She's going to continue maintaining our innocence and take the case to appeal  David Marsland   Our courts correspondent Tristan Kirk and what the 19 year olds family will do now their daughter is coming home. Also, Sophia Sleigh   she was very much sort of nurtured in her career by shadow chancellor John McDonnell. She said you were likely to see me on the picket line as you are in the dispatch box. David Marsland   political correspondent Sofia slay on the Labour Party leadership is Rebecca long Bailey enters the run. And Charlotte O'Sullivan   the Golden Globes awkwafina one so the farewell other bodies are starting to get with the times and it's basta he's looking a little bit out of date David Marsland   Evening Standard film criticCharlotte O'Sullivan says BAFTA can't get away with having no woman on the Best Director nomination list for seven years. Taken from the Evening Standard's editorial column this is The Leader. For the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/ comment; in a moment what next for the Brit teenager who denies lying about being gang raped in Cyprus. Protestors chanted and held we believe you placards outside Famagusta District Court in Cyprus as a 19 year old British woman arrived for sentencing. She'd been convicted of lying about being gang raped but says she was made to change her account by police. Facing possible jail she was instead given a four month suspended sentence, free to go home. Her lawyer Lewis Power QC says she'll be given a warm welcome. But the conviction stands much to the fury of supporters in both the UK and Cyprus, which has been under enormous political pressure. ur courts correspondent Tristan Kirk has been following story, Tristan she's out of jail, but a name hasn't been cleared. Will this go back to court?  Tristan Kirk   The British woman involved in this case maintain her innocence throughout the trial, but she was convicted of lying about being raped in the hotel in anapa. That conviction still stands even though she wasn't sent to prison today. So what happens next is that her legal team have made it very clear, she's going to continue mainta...

As thousands gathered in Iran for the funeral of General Qasem Soleimani, The Leader podcast speaks to the former chair of the UK’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Tom Tugenhadt, and ask if there’s a way out of the crisis without conflict. UK drug crime and knife violence: Over last six months, The Evening Standard has been examining the damage caused by permanently excluding pupils from school. Our reporting shows a 70 percent surge in the numbers over the last 8 years, and reveals how that figure is connected to young boys ending up in prison, and knife crime increases in London. The Evening Standard’s Investigations Editor, David Cohen, joins The Leader podcast to discuss his findings.   Golden Globes: Ricky Gervais shocked Hollywood again with his Golden Globe gags, but the Evening Standard’s Phoebe Luckhurst tells the Leader podcast it was the UK’s acting talent that really stole the show. TRANSCRIPT: David Marsland   Thanks for listening to The Leader of the Evening Standard's daily news podcast bringing you the best of our analysis and commentary. Please like, subscribe, share and comment, wherever you get your podcast from. From the Evening Standard in London. This is The Leader. Hi, I'm David Marsland. Huge crowds have filled the streets of Tahran as Iran mourns the death of general Qasem Soleimani and Donald Trump is doubling down on his threats. Is there a way out of this crisis without conflict? Tom Tugenhadt   This can either get much worse which nobody wants or this can be a pivot point. This can be a moment when the relationship can change. David Marsland   The former chair of the UK is Foreign Affairs Committee, Tom Tugenhadt has written for the Standard and speaks to The Leader about the options for the Middle East, also David Cohen   12 year olds, who I mean that's an extraordinary young age to be sent to a school where basically you're like in a day release prison David Marsland   Our investigations editor David Cohen on his special report showing how England's system for dealing with disruptive school pupils is pushing many into crime. And Phoebe Luckhurst   He had a had a pot shot at quite a few people in that kind of opening seven minutes, many of whom were sat in in the audience grimacing. David Marsland   Rivky Gervais shocked Hollywood with his golden globes gags but our deputy features editor Phoebe Luckhurst says it was the UK acting talent that really stole the show.. Taken from the Evening Standard editorial column this is The Leader for the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/comment in a moment when next for the Middle East? With thousands listening in the streets of Tehran and millions said to be watching around Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini wept over the coffin of General Qasem Soleimani . He led the prayers for the man around considers a hero for the US denounced as a terrorist and killed in a targeted strike in Baghdad. The move is threatening to destabilize the Middle East. But writing in the Standard today, the former chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Tom Tugenhadt, says ridding the world of a source of violence could mark a turning point Mr Tugenhadt joins me now, and is there a way to resolve this crisis without conflict? Tom Tugenhadt   Yes, there is. Because actually given the importance of major General Soleiman to the Iranian foreign policy of sponsoring groups and and boosting individuals in various regimes around the Middle East, his death actually gives an opportunity not just to change, the leader of the The Quds Force the special forces unit of the Revolutionary Guard, but actually also to change the policy. And there is a chance. And I've met, it's only a chance that some of those sponsored groups like perhaps Hezbollah might see that their advantage lies more in becoming a properly Lebanese group rather than a satel...

Iran have vowed to respond with ‘harsh revenge’ after United States forces killed Iran’s most powerful military leader, General Qasem Soleimani, in the early hours of Friday morning. Leaders around the world have weighed in on the attack, with Joe Biden comparing President Donald Trump’s attack order to ‘dynamite in a tinder box’. UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab urged “all sides to de-escalate”. Donald Trump himself has responded with a mocking tweet aimed at Iran’s leadership. As the world waits to see how Iran will respond, The Leader podcast speaks to the Evening Standard’s US Correspondent David Gardner to ask: does Donald Trump have a plan? The Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has written in today’s Evening Standard announcing that more police will be dispatched to patrol London’s vibrant crime spots. Home Affairs editor Martin Bentham joins the Leader podcast to discuss Dame Cressida’s comments. Popular fashion store Next has given the high street some hope for fashion sales, Business Reporter Joanna Bourke explains why. TRANSCRIPT: David Marsland   The Leader is delivered to your podcast provider at 4pm every weekday, bringing you the best news analysis and commentary from one of the country's most trusted newsrooms, subscribe to make sure you get it on time. Now, from the Evening Standard in London, this is The Leader. Hi, I'm David Marsland. The US has killed one of Iran's top generals. David Gardner   Now what there's a suggestion that there may be cyber attacks, there may be terror attacks. There is also a suggestion that allies of the United States could be in some danger. David Marsland   We speak to our US correspondent David Gardner as the world waits to see how Iran responds and whether President Trump has a plan. Also  Martin Bentham   very young people who've hardly started their lives have there lives brought to an end. David Marsland   The Standard's Home Affairs editor Martin Bentham as met police commissioner Cressida dick writes for the paper to announce more police will patrol London's violent crime hotspots, and... Joanna Bourke so they posted a 5.2% full price sales rise David Marsland Business reporter Joanna Burke on how next is giving hope to the high street the day before London men's fashion week begins. David Marsland   Taken from the evening standards editorial column This is The Leader. For the whole thing pick up the newspaper had to standard.co.uk/comment. In a moment Iran says it will take crushing revenge over the death of a top General, does Donald Trump have a next move?  Donald Trump   Our president will start a war with Iran because he has absolutely no ability to negotiate. He's weak and he's ineffective. So the only way he figures that he's going to get reelected and assures you sitting there is to start a war with Iran.  David Marsland   Donald Trump in 2011, claiming Barack Obama would start a war with Iran to get reelected. Last night the man now in the White House and facing election this year ordered an airstrike in Baghdad, killing around most powerful military leader Qasem Soleimani. The countries are at the brink of war. Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif appeared on state TV to say it was an act of terrorism. But our editorial column says it was a high stakes gamble that might achieve results. If there's a plan.. ES Comment   General Soleimani as the man behind both brutal repression of demonstrations within Iran, and his country's aggressive expansionist activities in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq has a vile record that should leave few mourning his demise. President Trump is not necessarily wrong to respond to the recent killing of an American contractor in a missile strike in Iraq, blamed on Iran. Previous attempts by Barack Obama to rein in Iran through a more conciliatory approach largely failed. The question, however, ...

It’s a bleak start to the year for London’s commuters travelling in on South Western Rail networks as more delays are to continue due to lack of staff. The guards who took part in the 27-day strike have been off duty for so long that they need to retrain for safety requirements. This put hundreds of trains out of action on Thursday and delays will continue into Friday. The Evening Standard’s City Hall editor Ross Lydall joins The Leader podcast to explain what we could expect over the next few months - as well as some good news for companions of disabled passengers from London's mayor Sadiq Khan. Also, London's most well-known burlesque nightclub and gig venue Madame JoJo's which shut down in 2014 is going to reopen, the Standard's Arts Correspondent Rob Dex joins the Leader podcast. TRANSCRIPT: David Marsland   Happy New Year and thanks for coming back to The Leader. We have a lot planned for the next few weeks, so make sure you subscribe through your favorite podcast provider and don't miss out. Now for the first time in 2020, from the Evening Standard in London, this is The Leader... Hi, I'm David Marsland. The RMT South Western Railway strike is over, but some of the guards have been off for so long they need retrained, Ross Lydall   You wouldn't be happy to be coming back to work on a sort of chilly January first day back in the office. You're paying more for your travel and then you're standing on the platform waiting for the train to come and it doesn't come and you just think they just can't get any more ludicrous.  David Marsland   Our City Hall editor Ross Lydall on a miserable return to work for thousands and the fares have gone up too. Also,  Robert Dex   it'll be a bit of living history in a part of London that quite frankly is a bit careless with its history and is forever knocking things down and starting again David Marsland   Arts Correspondent Robert Dex on the resurrection of Madame JoJo's. We welcome the return of a Soho icon. Taken from the Evening Standard editorial column This is The Leader for the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/comment. In a moment the train debacle that's too serious to be a farce. The day had barely began at London Bridge station when the delay announcement started, a pretty miserable return to work for train commuters only made worse by this morning's average fare rise of 2.7%. That's a justified hike according to Robert Nesbitt from the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train companies  Robert Nesbitt   We're an industry like any other that's facing rising costs the staff bill, for example, but also fuel costs as well. What we want to do is we want to cover the day to day running costs of the railway to free up billions of pounds of investment for the public and private sector. But this is an average figure. It's still just below the rate of inflation and that's for the third year running. David Marsland   But for some passengers using Southwestern Railways, the increased prices were compounded by cancellations, the aftershock of a 27 day strike by the RMT union, and our editorial column can't quite believe it. ES Comment   The reason for the latest cancellations is the guards who inflicted the strike have been off duty for so long they need to be retrained to ensure that they are properly refreshed in terms of all necessary safety activities, the same applies to some drivers. the situation would be farcical if it were not so serious. It is yet another reminder of the damage caused by the union's militancy regarding its misguided grievance over the role of train guards. It is worth pointing out again that experience on other lines has shown that driver only trains are safe. The fact that the disruption now has to continue even longer, perhaps more legitimate safety reasons is a bitter irony that will be of li...

After a ground-breaking investigation by the Evening Standard into the UK’s painkiller use, drug companies will now publish addiction warnings on opioid packets. The Leader speaks to the paper’s Investigations Editor David Cohen about how this small change will save lives for decades to come. Also, we welcome Andrew Bailey as the next Governor of the Bank of England. Our Business News Editor, Alex Lawson, looks at the career of the man picked by Chancellor Sajid Javid to replace Mark Carney. And we reveal why Mr Bailey’s been nicknamed “the Big Sexy Turtle.”  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Queen has delivered her speech, can Boris Johnson now deliver on his promises? Our political editor Joe Murphy looks at the government’s agenda. Brexit is the predictable priority, but why is there an overhaul of espionage laws, and what happened between the Prime Minister and Jeremy Corbyn? Also, there’s been a dip in the number of people using public transport in London, but car use has gone up outside the city centre. The Evening Standard’s City Hall Editor, Ross Lydall, takes a look at the figures and predicts a major clash at next year’s mayoral election. And, Cats, the movie based on the musical, is being critically savaged. We speak to film critic David Sexton who says it’s “nearly as obscene as the Human Centipede”. Plus, a bonus Christmas message recorded for the Leader podcast by composer and pianist Stephen Hough. Can you believe in Christmas if you don’t believe in Christ?   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There have been 135 violent deaths in London since the start of 2019. That's a high not seen for eleven years. The city is in the grip of knife crime epidemic that authorities appear powerless to stop. The Evening Standard’s crime correspondent Anthony France talks to the Leader podcast about what efforts have been made, and what more can be done.    Also, the 45th President of the United States is set to become only the third in history to be impeached. Ahead of the vote, Donald Trump's gone on the attack, sending a 6-page letter to Democrat Nancy Pelosi, and comparing the whole thing to the Salem Witch Trials. The Evening Standard's US correspondent, David Gardner, tells us what's happening on Capitol Hill.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Who can beat Boris Johnson? It’s the question the Labour party has to answer, but will it make the hard decisions the Evening Standard thinks are necessary to make it a genuine competitor in a future election? Our Londoner Editor Ayesha Hazarika, once a Labour spin doctor herself, thinks Jeremy Corbyn’s leaving behind a mess that could take a decade or more to repair.   Also, with traditional events like Wimbledon combining with the glamour of the NFL, along with competitions like the ATP tennis finals, London is proud to be ranked the world’s number one city for sport. But is that position at risk from usurpers like Paris? The Evening Standard’s correspondent Matt Majendie’s been investigating, and talks to the Leader about how Brexit and other concerns may be putting global sports bosses off the capital.    See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The BBC is under fire again, with the government apparently boycotting the Radio 4 Today programme, and critics accusing it of bias. The Evening Standard’s reporting BBC bosses are planning a big expansion of broadcasts outside of London to show the broadcaster’s listening to the whole of Britain, but with attacks also being lobbed at the license fee, is this now the time for a much wider modernisation programme? The Leader talks to our comments editor, Susannah Butter. Also, we reveal the extraordinary story of the late Standard film critic Alexander Walker who quietly amassed a huge art collection including works by Picasso and Hockney. Our arts correspondent Robert Dex tells us how when experts when to Mr Walker’s small flat in Maida Vale they discovered valuable pieces leaning on the kitchen sink, and propped up in a cupboard next to the vacuum cleaner. The entire collection is now to go on display at the British Museum.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.