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PODCAST

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins

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.

news & politics

All Episodes

40:40

Burnham’s Immigration and Crime Crisis

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins ·

2026/08/12

Is Andy Burnham losing control of immigration and crime? The Prime Minister faces growing pressure on two of the biggest issues shaping British politics, with a row over asylum seeker accommodation intensifying as new figures suggest thousands more migrants could arrive under Labour’s small boats policy.Brendan O’Neill, Chief Political Editor at Spiked, examines Burnham’s demand that middle-class areas take more asylum seekers, the pressure on local communities, and claims that the Government’s

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40:10

Can Burnham Get Tough on Immigration?

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins ·

2026/07/29

Is Andy Burnham being naive on immigration? Just one week into his premiership, the Prime Minister insists Labour’s plan to stop small boat crossings is working, despite more than 900 migrants crossing the Channel during his first week in office. With questions also being raised over French authorities’ response at sea and claims the Home Office relied on flawed AI evidence in asylum decisions, is the Government’s approach fit for purpose?John Vine CBE, former Independent Chief Inspector of Borders

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31:16

Is Andy Burnham Dividing Britain?

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins ·

2026/07/22

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

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38:47

Burnham’s New Cabinet: Built to Win?

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins ·

2026/07/21

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

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34:30

Burnham’s Vision: Will Britain Buy It?

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins ·

2026/07/20

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,

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33:21

Can Andy Burnham Deliver?

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins ·

2026/07/17

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

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31:52

Are Reform Politicians in Danger?

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins ·

2026/07/15

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

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35:00

When Did Politics Get So Toxic?

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins ·

2026/07/14

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

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26:27

After Ann Widdecombe: Are Public Figures Under Threat?

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins ·

2026/07/13

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,

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27:05

Remembering Ann Widdecombe

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins ·

2026/07/10

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

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29:34

Is Trust in British Politics Broken Forever?

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins ·

2026/07/08

Has your trust in politics completely broken down? With Nigel Farage’s resignation triggering a controversial Clacton by-election, new research suggests most Britons believe the country’s social contract has collapsed. Is confidence in politics at its lowest point in decades?Former government special adviser James Price examines whether Britain’s political system is fundamentally broken, why trust in politicians continues to decline, and whether the latest Reform UK controversy is a symptom of a

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38:47

Farage Resigns: Is This the End or a New Beginning?

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins ·

2026/07/07

Nigel Farage has resigned. What happens now? In a dramatic move, the Reform UK leader has resigned as MP for Clacton, triggering a by-election that he says will be a battle between “the people and the establishment” as he seeks a fresh mandate from voters amid ongoing scrutiny over his finances.Isabel Oakeshott, Talk International Editor, reacts to Farage’s bombshell announcement and what it means for Reform UK, the Clacton by-election and the future of British politics. Has Farage turned a

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31:22

Can Reform Survive the Farage Scandal?

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins ·

2026/07/06

Can Reform survive the Farage scandal? Nigel Farage is facing mounting scrutiny after fresh allegations over political funding, raising questions about transparency, standards and whether the controversy could damage Reform UK’s momentum.Dan Hodges, commentator at the Mail on Sunday, reacts after Farage issued a furious response to claims surrounding undeclared support from a close ally, while Reform insists no rules were broken. With the Conservatives reportedly targeting a Clacton by-election and

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39:24

Are White Working-Class Children Britain’s Forgotten...

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins ·

2026/07/01

Are white working-class kids being left behind? New claims that white working-class students are being excluded from some Oxbridge diversity schemes have reignited the debate over equality, opportunity and who is being left behind in modern Britain.Lord Tony Sewell, former Chair of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, discusses reports that white working-class pupils are missing out on university outreach programmes despite remaining one of the lowest-performing groups educationally. Has

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28:48

Britain’s Immigration Crisis: What’s the Answer?

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins ·

2026/06/30

How would you solve the immigration crisis? With the cost of the asylum system under growing scrutiny and fresh questions over border security, immigration is once again dominating the political agenda.Charlie Rowley reacts to reports that migrants using the ECHR to remain in Britain could cost taxpayers £4.9 billion, as ministers unveil plans to make asylum seekers repay the cost of hotel accommodation if they are later granted the right to work. We also discuss local anger after dozens of asylum

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34:50

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

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins ·

2026/06/29

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

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32:34

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

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins ·

2026/06/25

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

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32:10

Can Andy Burnham Turn Britain Around?

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins ·

2026/06/24

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,

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43:35

The Battle for Labour: Should Burnham Be Challenged?

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins ·

2026/06/23

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

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32:01

Starmer Resigns: Can Andy Burnham Save Britain?

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins ·

2026/06/22

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

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133 results

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