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The US-China trade war has deepens - again. Beijing retaliates to yesterdayâs 145% levy with a 125% tariff on US goods, with President Xi Jinping calling on the EU to join China in opposing "bullying" from the US.
With the future global economic and political landscape hugely uncertain, James asks whether Keir Starmer should take bold action to protect the countryâs interests by softening Brexit?
And, James discusses the BBCâs reinstallation of a statue sculpted by the paedophile and artist Eric Gill, on the outside of its London HQ. Can the artist ever be separated so far from the art that such a works, by such a man, should be on public display?
This episode was recorded on the 11th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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Donald Trump paused his tariff hike on all global economies bar Chinaâs, where the trade war has deepened even further - at the time of writing, tariffs on China stand at 145%. Why has Trump done this? What does the future look like? Should these actions prompt Keir Starmer to rebuild bridges with the EU?
James also plays back an interview with psychologist, writer, and Donald Trump's niece, Mary Trump, in which she describes what she claims are her uncleâs worsening delusions.
And, James speaks with LBCâs Washington Editor Simon Marks, who brings insider details analysis the capital.
This episode was recorded on the 10th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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Donald Trump continues to dismantle democratic institutions, defy court orders, deport innocent green card holders and facilitate cronyism. Time for James to ask the big question - is the Trump administration fascist?
And, the UK government is developing a âmurder predictionâ programme which it hopes will identify members of the public most likely to become killers. Is this pragmatic, or dystopian?
This episode was recorded on the 9th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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Following days of tariff turmoil, US stocks rally, while European and Asian markets also stabilise. China, so far, is refusing to withdraw its retaliatory tariffs, saying it will âfight to the endâ. Trump has threatened to hit Beijing with an additional 50% tariff if they donât withdraw their levy by the end of today.
How do you make sense of what Trump is doing? Are we wasting our time trying to analyse him using the normal methods? What comes next?
This episode was recorded on the 8th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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The head of the Muslim World League says young British Muslims are growing more disillusioned because of the war in Gaza, while the shocking video of Israeli forces opening fire on the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, before killing 15 medics, contradicts the IDFâs initial explanation for the killings. How much damage has Benjamin Netanyahuâs government done to the Israeli cause?
Also, health workers will be sent into the community door-to-door, under drastic new NHS plans to tackle sickness rates across England. Will the scheme work?
And, James speaks to Dmitry Grozoubinski, founder of Explain Trade and author of âWhy Politicians Lie About Trade: ... and What You Need to Know About Itâ, about the fabled US-UK trade deal.
This episode was recorded on the 7th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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In the wake of Donald Trumpâs sweeping global tariffs, should Keir Starmer retaliate or negotiate? James also tackles another possibility - how long could it take for this all to blow up in Trumpâs face?
And, James speaks with Neil Henderson, the father of Jim Henderson, an aid worker and former Royal Marine that was killed in an Israeli drone strike in Gaza last April. Neil shares his sonâs story and legacy.
This episode was recorded on the 4th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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Stock markets across the world dropped today after Donald Trump's sweeping tariff announcements. Sir Keir Starmer has said this will "clearly" have an economic impact on Brits, but that the UK will keep a "clear head", while also considering retaliatory measures. What should Starmer do?
James is also joined by Ta-Nehisi Coates, an American journalist and author, for a brilliant conversation about the dramatic reaction to his latest book, âThe Messageâ, which explores destructive nationalist myths and describes the segregation he witnessed first hand in Israel and the West Bank.
This episode was recorded on the 3rd April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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Donald Trump is set to announce his global tariffs at 9pm tonight. Can Keir Starmer, whoâs being urged to fight back with retaliatory tariffs, stand up to Trump? James also analyses some of the New Jersey Senator Cory Bookerâs record breaking anti-Trump speech from yesterday.
Also, Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch has said she opposes protest-free buffer zones around abortion clinics and thinks they undermine free speech in the UK. Why are certain powerful individuals so against abortion and are the buffer zones actually an assault on free speech?
And, James speaks with Nebal Farsakh, Spokesperson for the Palestine Red Crescent Society, about the killing of several Palestinian medics by Israeli forces last week in Gaza.
This episode was recorded on the 2nd April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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Sir Keir Starmer has admitted that the UK is likely to be hit by Donald Trumpâs global trade tariffs, as the US refuses to sign an economic deal with Britain. James gets into the nitty gritty: What's the reason for tariffs? When did they originate? How will these tariffs affect us?
The Prime Minister has described Netflixâs hugely influential series Adolescence as something that the entire nation is talking about. Yet today on LBC the Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch revealed that she hasnât watched it. James and his listeners break this down.
This episode was recorded on the 1st April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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The number of men becoming secondary school teachers has plummeted to a record low, while conversations about the effects of online misogyny and healthy role models are being had more than ever. Do boys need male role models specifically, and if so, why?
NHS bosses have decided to shut the maternity unit at a major London hospital in response to a dramatic fall in the birthrate in its area in recent years. If youâre child free - why? And how do people react when you tell them?
This episode was recorded on the 31st March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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Labour has come under fire from its welfare cuts, with affected families forecasted to lose ÂŁ1,720 on average a year. James and his listeners look to identify exactly who Labour is trying to appeal to right now.
Also, mid show, Keir Starmerâs director of communications quit - after just 9 months in the job. LBCâs Political Correspondent Aggie Chambre shares the details.
And, Just Stop Oil is to cease its campaign of civil resistance after 3 years of climate action. The group stated that its initial demand to end new oil and gas is now Government policy. Did it succeed in its mission?
This episode was recorded on the 28th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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More than 3 million UK households will lose out as a result of the governmentâs cuts to welfare, according to official analysis, with an extra 250,000 people forecasted to fall into relative poverty by the end of the decade. How will this impact you?
And, the Netflix drama Adolescence has brought much needed attention to toxic masculinity and dangerous online influences such as Andrew Tate. James speaks to women about their thoughts on the show and the conversations it's opened up.
This episode was recorded on the 27th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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As well as plans to bomb Yemen's Houthis being leaked in the US security breach yesterday, messages also revealed a contempt toward America's European allies. One of US Vice President JD Vanceâs messages stood out: "I just hate bailing Europe out again". Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth replied: "I fully share your loathing of European freeloading. It's PATHETIC". Why does JD Vance have this attitude towards Europe?
James also speaks with Phillips O'Brien, Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St Andrews, who explains why yesterdayâs US-negotiated "Black Sea Ceasefire" is a betrayal of Ukraine.
This episode was recorded on the 26th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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A journalist was accidentally added to a group chat on which the US Government was planning the bombing of Yemen's Houthis. The chat included US Vice President JD Vance, Defence secretary Pete Hegseth and the leaders of US national security and intelligence. When questioned this morning, Donald Trump said he knew nothing about it. Is this indicative of the incompetence of the Trump administration?
And, the Palestinian director of the Oscar-winning documentary âNo Other Landâ has been arrested by the IDF after being attacked by Israeli settlers. James speaks with Raviv Rose, a jewish activist of the Centre for Jewish non-violence, who witnessed the attack.
This episode was recorded on the 25th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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The UKâs first live facial recognition cameras, intended to make fighting crime easier, are being set up in south London. Would you be comfortable with these cameras arriving on your street, or is this an invasion of privacy?
Brits spend less time in the office than workers in every other country bar the Philippines, research claims. Why are Brits resisting the call back to the office?
Elton John, Stormzy and Coldplay are among a group of artists backing Ed Sheeranâs call for Keir Starmer to commit ÂŁ250m to music education. Would you be the same person you are now without having been introduced to music?
This episode was recorded on the 24th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is considering a smartphone ban in England schools. Pressure mounts from MPs to act on the effect of social media on teenagers, encapsulated by the viral Netflix drama, Adolescence. Is totally banning phones from schools possible?
Also, thereâs been a huge rise in women working beyond the state pension threshold simply in order to survive. Simple question here - will you ever be able to retire?
And, James speaks with LBCâs Scotland Political Editor, Gina Davidson, for the details on Nicola Sturgeonâs clearance of wrongdoing in regards to the case investigating alleged embezzlement of SNP funds.
This episode was recorded on the 21st March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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Donald Trump has suggested the US takes over ownership of Ukraineâs nuclear power plants as part of a truce between Ukraine and Russia. Is Trumpâs second term changing the West beyond all recognition?
Also, James speaks with LBCâs Political Editor Natasha Clark, who shares the highlights from her recent interview with the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey.
Also, James speaks with Jerusalem-based journalist Noga Tarnopolsky, who details why Israeli protestors are saying that Benjamin Netanyahuâs latest bombardment of Gaza is âcoverâ for his campaign to retain power.
And, Labourâs long-awaited curriculum review would see UK pupils sitting fewer GCSE exams, with an increased focus on applied skills. Does our system currently put too much emphasis on academic subjects?
This episode was recorded on the 20th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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Over 1 million disabled people could be set to lose thousands of pounds under the governmentâs welfare overhaul. James asks his listeners if these changes go too far.
Also, Former England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate says that young men are suffering from a lack of positive role models and are being influenced by toxic online figures, gambling and pornography. Why are young men so susceptible to these dangers?
And, James speaks with Suzanne O'Sullivan, neurologist and author of âThe Age of Diagnosis: Sickness, Health and Why Medicine Has Gone Too Farâ, to ask whether weâre being over diagnosed by doctors in todayâs world.
This episode was recorded on the 19th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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Despite the ceasefire, more than 400 Palestinians were killed by Israeli air strikes overnight, according to Gazaâs health ministry. Humanitarian organisations have expectably been overwhelmed. James speaks with Rosalia Bollen, spokesperson for Unicef, who is in Southern Gaza and asks listeners what the likelihood is that Benjamin Netanyahu will continue this war until Gaza is entirely destroyed?
Also, millions of people in England and Wales should have their BMI checked regularly to curb obesity, an NHS watchdog is recommending. What was your wake up call to lose weight and what does it feel like to have loved ones refuse to hear that wake up call?
And, James speaks with LBCâs Washington Correspondent Simon Marks, who shares the latest on Donald Trump and the US.
This episode was recorded on the 18th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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According to a new study, almost 4 in 10 members of Generation Z are considering leaving their job, with mental health identified as a âmajor driverâ of this. Why is this happening and what can we do about it?
Also, the author of the new book, âWhy I Would Never Fight for My Countryâ, argues that ordinary people should never be sent into battle. The 27 year old German states that heâd ârather be occupied than dead.â Why is he wrong?
And, I speak with Steve Herman, Chief National Correspondent for the Voice of America (VOA), which has had almost all of its staff placed on administrative leave after Donald Trump signed an order to dismantle it.
This episode was recorded on the 17th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
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