The News Agents

• Zack Polanski on populism, patriotism and poverty

  It's just six weeks since Zack Polanski became leader of the Green party. He's not even an MP. And yet, in that short space of time, he's become something of a political rockstar for those on the left of British politics. His party is shooting up in the polls, he's attracted a devout and growing following on social media, and his modern style of communication is marking him out against what can at times feel like a rather stale political establishment in Westminster. In this extended interview, Lewis speaks to Polanski about his political journey and about his radical vision. Why does he support the break up of the United Kingdom? Does he recognise his stance on NATO sets him at odds with the public? And could Labour MPs be about to join him?Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

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• Weekend Edition: Has British Gymnastics cleaned up its act? - The Sports Agents

  British Gymnastics has been on a journey of root and branch reform since the damning 2022 ‘Whyte Review’ exposed systemic abuse and cultural failings.We are now three years into its "Reform 25" plan, which was designed to "create safe, positive and fair experiences for all in gymnastics by 2025" by implementing the Whyte Review recommendations. So as the World Artistic Gymnastic Championships starts, has enough progress been made? Gabby and Mark are joined by Joseph Carr, Senior Associate in the Abuse Team at Bolt Burdon Kemp, who has acted for around 40 clients bringing abuse cases in gymnastics. British Gymnastics have yet to respond to The Sports Agents' request for comment. Their latest progress report can be found here: https://a.storyblok.com/f/83342/x/f0b8c9f937/british-gymnastics-reform-25-final-progress-report-v4.pdf If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast help is available at charities such as Gymnasts for Change (https://www.gymnastsforchange.com/) 📩 Got a question? Send it here: https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7💭 Tell us your thoughts in our listener survey: https://forms.gle/YMUvajQktqBuimgh6 🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod 📱Follow us on socials:TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thesportsagents Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thesportsagents/ X - https://x.com/sportsagentspod📥 Email: [email protected] Executive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducer: Sophie PenneyVideo Producer: Sam Trudgill Social Media Editor: Calum ScotlandTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for GlobalYou can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

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• Could Labour MPs jump ship to the Green Party?

  Zack Polanski is riding high right now. The polls have buoyed since he became leader of the greens. And membership has significantly increased too. Today he suggested to Lewis that Labour MPs might defect to his party. Is that going to happen? And what does it tell us about the way left wing populism is mimicking the style of right wing populists in 2025? Later, France’s new prime minister looks ravishingly similar to France’s new prime minister. Because it’s the same man. Will he stay in the job longer than a month? And what is the structural problem France is battling right now which make its politics so febrile?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

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• Are American billionaires trying to reshape British politics?

  JD Vance has had his sights on the UK since becoming vice president - fixating on our free speech laws, criticising Britain in strong terms.But is that part of a wider movement? There is evidence of a growing concerted effort, by rich and organised American advocacy groups, setting their sights on the UK, trying to influence public mood and indeed politics itself.Tommy Robinson is claiming that his legal bills are being funded by Elon Musk, and a new report from the New York Times suggests that one American organisation is set on shifting opinions here on abortion. We speak to the investigative reporter Jane Bradley.Lewis and Emily dissect a combative PMQs over the China spying row - is this now a he said-she said row or is there more serious jeopardy for Keir Starmer?And lastly, Emily asks why the toilets are being reinforced at The Royal Albert Hall...The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

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• Did the government willingly collapse the China spy trial?

  The Conservatives have accused Keir Starmer and those around him of wilfully forcing the collapse of a trial involving two young British men accused of spying for the Chinese government - allegations they deny. Security minister Dan Jarvis got to his feet in the Commons last night to angrily deny Kemi Badenoch's attacks - it's all the fault of the last Conservative government was his counter charge. So why exactly did the case collapse? Did those in government really choose to protect economic interests over national security? Or could this be a case of cock up rather than conspiracy?Later, which party leader emerged best from the conference season. And what might this tell us about the public hunger for change?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

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