The News Agents
@newsagents.bsky.social
Lifting the curtain on the biggest stories in the UK, U.S. & beyond.
With Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel & Lewis Goodall. Listen on Global Player.
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With Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel & Lewis Goodall. Listen on Global Player.
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“My life was fundamentally changed in that moment, and it remains to be the case today”
Jess Phillips reflects on Elon Musk calling her a “rape genocide apologist” and the impact this had on her safety
Jess Phillips reflects on Elon Musk calling her a “rape genocide apologist” and the impact this had on her safety
December 19, 2025 at 2:18 PM
“My life was fundamentally changed in that moment, and it remains to be the case today”
Jess Phillips reflects on Elon Musk calling her a “rape genocide apologist” and the impact this had on her safety
Jess Phillips reflects on Elon Musk calling her a “rape genocide apologist” and the impact this had on her safety
"Kemi Badenoch has to use people like me to give her any kind of relevance," @jessphillipsmp.bsky.social tells @lewisgoodall.com, responding to Badenoch's criticism of her handling of violence against women & girls.
"She should probably apologise to the girls who might have been raped."
"She should probably apologise to the girls who might have been raped."
December 18, 2025 at 5:44 PM
"Kemi Badenoch has to use people like me to give her any kind of relevance," @jessphillipsmp.bsky.social tells @lewisgoodall.com, responding to Badenoch's criticism of her handling of violence against women & girls.
"She should probably apologise to the girls who might have been raped."
"She should probably apologise to the girls who might have been raped."
“It’s about pleasing the President - if he sees those pictures in Vanity Fair, does his perception of Karoline Leavitt change?”
Will the close-up photos of the Trump administration damage the MAGA aesthetic he cares so much about?
@maitlis.bsky.social | @jonsopel1.bsky.social
Will the close-up photos of the Trump administration damage the MAGA aesthetic he cares so much about?
@maitlis.bsky.social | @jonsopel1.bsky.social
December 18, 2025 at 4:20 PM
“It’s about pleasing the President - if he sees those pictures in Vanity Fair, does his perception of Karoline Leavitt change?”
Will the close-up photos of the Trump administration damage the MAGA aesthetic he cares so much about?
@maitlis.bsky.social | @jonsopel1.bsky.social
Will the close-up photos of the Trump administration damage the MAGA aesthetic he cares so much about?
@maitlis.bsky.social | @jonsopel1.bsky.social
What happened when Barron Trump invited “the third Tate brother” to dinner at Mar-A-Lago?
“Their conversation meandered from calling each other degenerate names to discussing geopolitics and who Trump’s VP pick should be.”
Megan Twohey speaks to @maitlis.bsky.social and @jonsopel1.bsky.social.
“Their conversation meandered from calling each other degenerate names to discussing geopolitics and who Trump’s VP pick should be.”
Megan Twohey speaks to @maitlis.bsky.social and @jonsopel1.bsky.social.
December 18, 2025 at 3:22 PM
What happened when Barron Trump invited “the third Tate brother” to dinner at Mar-A-Lago?
“Their conversation meandered from calling each other degenerate names to discussing geopolitics and who Trump’s VP pick should be.”
Megan Twohey speaks to @maitlis.bsky.social and @jonsopel1.bsky.social.
“Their conversation meandered from calling each other degenerate names to discussing geopolitics and who Trump’s VP pick should be.”
Megan Twohey speaks to @maitlis.bsky.social and @jonsopel1.bsky.social.
Why would Trump's chief of staff speak to a US magazine about Elon Musk's ketamine habit, or describe JD Vance as a conspiracy theorist?
"Susie Wiles isn't stupid, she's phenomenally smart," says Emily Maitlis, so why does this remind her of a scene from Succession?
"Susie Wiles isn't stupid, she's phenomenally smart," says Emily Maitlis, so why does this remind her of a scene from Succession?
December 17, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Why would Trump's chief of staff speak to a US magazine about Elon Musk's ketamine habit, or describe JD Vance as a conspiracy theorist?
"Susie Wiles isn't stupid, she's phenomenally smart," says Emily Maitlis, so why does this remind her of a scene from Succession?
"Susie Wiles isn't stupid, she's phenomenally smart," says Emily Maitlis, so why does this remind her of a scene from Succession?
“She’s putting herself at odds publicly with the president while still Chief of Staff in the White House”
Susie Wiles has made some explosive claims about Trump. Is this her attempt to get his attention, or that of his successor?
@maitlis.bsky.social | @jonsopel1.bsky.social
Susie Wiles has made some explosive claims about Trump. Is this her attempt to get his attention, or that of his successor?
@maitlis.bsky.social | @jonsopel1.bsky.social
December 17, 2025 at 4:49 PM
“She’s putting herself at odds publicly with the president while still Chief of Staff in the White House”
Susie Wiles has made some explosive claims about Trump. Is this her attempt to get his attention, or that of his successor?
@maitlis.bsky.social | @jonsopel1.bsky.social
Susie Wiles has made some explosive claims about Trump. Is this her attempt to get his attention, or that of his successor?
@maitlis.bsky.social | @jonsopel1.bsky.social
"The idea that Liz Truss is wading to the rescue of a maligned Trump over the BBC?!" 👀
In his $10bn lawsuit, the President cites an unlikely ally in Truss over their shared grievances with the BBC.
@maitlis.bsky.social | @jonsopel1.bsky.social
In his $10bn lawsuit, the President cites an unlikely ally in Truss over their shared grievances with the BBC.
@maitlis.bsky.social | @jonsopel1.bsky.social
December 17, 2025 at 12:36 PM
"The idea that Liz Truss is wading to the rescue of a maligned Trump over the BBC?!" 👀
In his $10bn lawsuit, the President cites an unlikely ally in Truss over their shared grievances with the BBC.
@maitlis.bsky.social | @jonsopel1.bsky.social
In his $10bn lawsuit, the President cites an unlikely ally in Truss over their shared grievances with the BBC.
@maitlis.bsky.social | @jonsopel1.bsky.social
"Do they really want the BBC brought down by a rich foreign billionaire who doesn't need the money?"
Public support for the BBC has been waning, but could Donald Trump’s $10bn lawsuit now turn the tide?
Public support for the BBC has been waning, but could Donald Trump’s $10bn lawsuit now turn the tide?
December 16, 2025 at 6:57 PM
"Do they really want the BBC brought down by a rich foreign billionaire who doesn't need the money?"
Public support for the BBC has been waning, but could Donald Trump’s $10bn lawsuit now turn the tide?
Public support for the BBC has been waning, but could Donald Trump’s $10bn lawsuit now turn the tide?
“I think the BBC should fight it, but they’ve got to have so much backbone to do it.”
“There will be many times along the road where the easiest option will be to settle.”
Emily and Jon on how the BBC should respond to Trump’s $10bn lawsuit.
“There will be many times along the road where the easiest option will be to settle.”
Emily and Jon on how the BBC should respond to Trump’s $10bn lawsuit.
December 16, 2025 at 5:22 PM
“I think the BBC should fight it, but they’ve got to have so much backbone to do it.”
“There will be many times along the road where the easiest option will be to settle.”
Emily and Jon on how the BBC should respond to Trump’s $10bn lawsuit.
“There will be many times along the road where the easiest option will be to settle.”
Emily and Jon on how the BBC should respond to Trump’s $10bn lawsuit.
“If language becomes entrenched, does it become the beginning of violence? Is language itself violent?”
@maitlis.bsky.social and @jonsopel1.bsky.social discuss the language being used at pro-Palestine marches across the globe, and whether they are having a direct impact on antisemitism.
@maitlis.bsky.social and @jonsopel1.bsky.social discuss the language being used at pro-Palestine marches across the globe, and whether they are having a direct impact on antisemitism.
December 15, 2025 at 7:57 PM
“If language becomes entrenched, does it become the beginning of violence? Is language itself violent?”
@maitlis.bsky.social and @jonsopel1.bsky.social discuss the language being used at pro-Palestine marches across the globe, and whether they are having a direct impact on antisemitism.
@maitlis.bsky.social and @jonsopel1.bsky.social discuss the language being used at pro-Palestine marches across the globe, and whether they are having a direct impact on antisemitism.
"It was targeting Jews for being Jews."
"That's why I think the Jewish community feels that something has changed in the antisemitism that is being felt now."
@maitlis.bsky.social and @jonsopel1.bsky.social reflect on the Bondi Beach attack that saw 16 people murdered whilst celebrating Hanukkah.
"That's why I think the Jewish community feels that something has changed in the antisemitism that is being felt now."
@maitlis.bsky.social and @jonsopel1.bsky.social reflect on the Bondi Beach attack that saw 16 people murdered whilst celebrating Hanukkah.
December 15, 2025 at 5:03 PM
"It was targeting Jews for being Jews."
"That's why I think the Jewish community feels that something has changed in the antisemitism that is being felt now."
@maitlis.bsky.social and @jonsopel1.bsky.social reflect on the Bondi Beach attack that saw 16 people murdered whilst celebrating Hanukkah.
"That's why I think the Jewish community feels that something has changed in the antisemitism that is being felt now."
@maitlis.bsky.social and @jonsopel1.bsky.social reflect on the Bondi Beach attack that saw 16 people murdered whilst celebrating Hanukkah.
📢 Q&A
Looking back at the major political and news stories of 2025 - and ahead to what could define 2026 - what questions should we take on?
📧 Drop them below or email [email protected].
Looking back at the major political and news stories of 2025 - and ahead to what could define 2026 - what questions should we take on?
📧 Drop them below or email [email protected].
December 15, 2025 at 11:37 AM
📢 Q&A
Looking back at the major political and news stories of 2025 - and ahead to what could define 2026 - what questions should we take on?
📧 Drop them below or email [email protected].
Looking back at the major political and news stories of 2025 - and ahead to what could define 2026 - what questions should we take on?
📧 Drop them below or email [email protected].
“He was grotesque. He was vulgar. But why shouldn't Loadsamoney, why shouldn't Harry Enfield's plasterer, have been a natural Labour voter?”
Once a joke on Thatcherism, is this now sort of person being “screwed” by the economy under Labour?
Once a joke on Thatcherism, is this now sort of person being “screwed” by the economy under Labour?
December 14, 2025 at 1:25 PM
“He was grotesque. He was vulgar. But why shouldn't Loadsamoney, why shouldn't Harry Enfield's plasterer, have been a natural Labour voter?”
Once a joke on Thatcherism, is this now sort of person being “screwed” by the economy under Labour?
Once a joke on Thatcherism, is this now sort of person being “screwed” by the economy under Labour?
"Who are you to say how many dolls a child needs, Mr President?"
Donald Trump has been ranting about Chinese pencils and children's toys – but when he's so close with billionaires and tech bros, do his "out of touch" comments risk alienating the US public?
Donald Trump has been ranting about Chinese pencils and children's toys – but when he's so close with billionaires and tech bros, do his "out of touch" comments risk alienating the US public?
December 13, 2025 at 9:01 AM
"Who are you to say how many dolls a child needs, Mr President?"
Donald Trump has been ranting about Chinese pencils and children's toys – but when he's so close with billionaires and tech bros, do his "out of touch" comments risk alienating the US public?
Donald Trump has been ranting about Chinese pencils and children's toys – but when he's so close with billionaires and tech bros, do his "out of touch" comments risk alienating the US public?
“This is the triumph of 'librarian Labour'. They wanted a quiet life. They didn't want to do things that made them feel uncomfortable.”
Patrick Maguire tells Lewis Goodall why Keir Starmer, and Labour’s, instinct is for opposition – not government
Patrick Maguire tells Lewis Goodall why Keir Starmer, and Labour’s, instinct is for opposition – not government
December 12, 2025 at 5:05 PM
“This is the triumph of 'librarian Labour'. They wanted a quiet life. They didn't want to do things that made them feel uncomfortable.”
Patrick Maguire tells Lewis Goodall why Keir Starmer, and Labour’s, instinct is for opposition – not government
Patrick Maguire tells Lewis Goodall why Keir Starmer, and Labour’s, instinct is for opposition – not government
"The breakdown in the authority of the centre continues to marvel..."
When Wes Streeting describes Labour as the UK's "maintenance department", is he accusing Keir Starmer – and his own party – of doing little more for the country than keeping the lights on?
When Wes Streeting describes Labour as the UK's "maintenance department", is he accusing Keir Starmer – and his own party – of doing little more for the country than keeping the lights on?
December 12, 2025 at 11:31 AM
"The breakdown in the authority of the centre continues to marvel..."
When Wes Streeting describes Labour as the UK's "maintenance department", is he accusing Keir Starmer – and his own party – of doing little more for the country than keeping the lights on?
When Wes Streeting describes Labour as the UK's "maintenance department", is he accusing Keir Starmer – and his own party – of doing little more for the country than keeping the lights on?
Congratulations to Lewis Goodall for winning Scoop of the Year at the British Journalism Awards for his investigation into a massive Ministry of Defence leak which put the lives of thousands at risk
December 12, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Congratulations to Lewis Goodall for winning Scoop of the Year at the British Journalism Awards for his investigation into a massive Ministry of Defence leak which put the lives of thousands at risk
“Happy cuffing season!”
After the White House used SZA’s song to promote its ICE raids, Gavin Newsom fired back - and this time, it was the U.S. President in handcuffs.
After the White House used SZA’s song to promote its ICE raids, Gavin Newsom fired back - and this time, it was the U.S. President in handcuffs.
December 11, 2025 at 8:43 PM
“Happy cuffing season!”
After the White House used SZA’s song to promote its ICE raids, Gavin Newsom fired back - and this time, it was the U.S. President in handcuffs.
After the White House used SZA’s song to promote its ICE raids, Gavin Newsom fired back - and this time, it was the U.S. President in handcuffs.
“Blair seems to be anointing a potential next leader.”
“It felt like a benediction. It felt like an endorsement.”
Will Tony Blair’s praise for Shabana Mahmood boost her leadership prospects - or backfire?
“It felt like a benediction. It felt like an endorsement.”
Will Tony Blair’s praise for Shabana Mahmood boost her leadership prospects - or backfire?
December 11, 2025 at 6:22 PM
“Blair seems to be anointing a potential next leader.”
“It felt like a benediction. It felt like an endorsement.”
Will Tony Blair’s praise for Shabana Mahmood boost her leadership prospects - or backfire?
“It felt like a benediction. It felt like an endorsement.”
Will Tony Blair’s praise for Shabana Mahmood boost her leadership prospects - or backfire?
"Trump has become a cowboy. He’s no better than the thing he’s trying to get replaced - nothing matters except his end result."
As Trump attacks a huge oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, Emily and Jon ask: Has he simply decided to "𝘴𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘱𝘦?"
As Trump attacks a huge oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, Emily and Jon ask: Has he simply decided to "𝘴𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘱𝘦?"
December 11, 2025 at 4:18 PM
"Trump has become a cowboy. He’s no better than the thing he’s trying to get replaced - nothing matters except his end result."
As Trump attacks a huge oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, Emily and Jon ask: Has he simply decided to "𝘴𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘱𝘦?"
As Trump attacks a huge oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, Emily and Jon ask: Has he simply decided to "𝘴𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘱𝘦?"
"President Trump is wrong about this – Europe is coming together."
Labour's Jake Richards hits back at Trump's attacks on Europe, and why he believes the ECHR will be updated so migrant laws can be changed
Labour's Jake Richards hits back at Trump's attacks on Europe, and why he believes the ECHR will be updated so migrant laws can be changed
December 11, 2025 at 10:27 AM
"President Trump is wrong about this – Europe is coming together."
Labour's Jake Richards hits back at Trump's attacks on Europe, and why he believes the ECHR will be updated so migrant laws can be changed
Labour's Jake Richards hits back at Trump's attacks on Europe, and why he believes the ECHR will be updated so migrant laws can be changed
An LBC investigation has uncovered allegations of a grooming gang, run by a former MET police officer, involving an MP and a judge.
Andy Hughes tracked him down, and tells Lewis Goodall what happened when he knocked on his front door...
Andy Hughes tracked him down, and tells Lewis Goodall what happened when he knocked on his front door...
December 10, 2025 at 5:59 PM
An LBC investigation has uncovered allegations of a grooming gang, run by a former MET police officer, involving an MP and a judge.
Andy Hughes tracked him down, and tells Lewis Goodall what happened when he knocked on his front door...
Andy Hughes tracked him down, and tells Lewis Goodall what happened when he knocked on his front door...
"𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘋𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘥 𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘮𝘱 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴, 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶?"
As Trump launches a new attack on Europe, is flattery @lewisgoodall.com's last ditch attempt to get an interview with the U.S. President?
As Trump launches a new attack on Europe, is flattery @lewisgoodall.com's last ditch attempt to get an interview with the U.S. President?
December 9, 2025 at 8:14 PM
"𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘋𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘥 𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘮𝘱 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴, 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶?"
As Trump launches a new attack on Europe, is flattery @lewisgoodall.com's last ditch attempt to get an interview with the U.S. President?
As Trump launches a new attack on Europe, is flattery @lewisgoodall.com's last ditch attempt to get an interview with the U.S. President?
"Donald Trump calculates: How will this make my family richer if Jared Kushner's involved - and how will I gain political leverage over my enemies?"
How much influence does Trump have in the proposed $108 billion takeover of Warner Bros?
How much influence does Trump have in the proposed $108 billion takeover of Warner Bros?
December 9, 2025 at 4:05 PM
"Donald Trump calculates: How will this make my family richer if Jared Kushner's involved - and how will I gain political leverage over my enemies?"
How much influence does Trump have in the proposed $108 billion takeover of Warner Bros?
How much influence does Trump have in the proposed $108 billion takeover of Warner Bros?
"They've got a phone that has TikTok loaded on it in the Cabinet Office - one phone, which is kept in a draw under lock and key."
Keir Starmer has joined TikTok, which is "quite weird", considering it's banned on government devices.
Keir Starmer has joined TikTok, which is "quite weird", considering it's banned on government devices.
December 9, 2025 at 1:02 PM
"They've got a phone that has TikTok loaded on it in the Cabinet Office - one phone, which is kept in a draw under lock and key."
Keir Starmer has joined TikTok, which is "quite weird", considering it's banned on government devices.
Keir Starmer has joined TikTok, which is "quite weird", considering it's banned on government devices.