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News & Politics

Sensemaker

The Observer

One story every day to make sense of the world

Episodes

20 of 1,388 episodes

Why did a Russian warship fire at a British yacht?

A Russian military vessel fired warning shots near a British couple as they sailed across the English channel. Why did it happen and does it...

6:43Jun 19, 2026

Will the UK’s social media ban work?

On Monday the Prime Minister announced that the government will be banning social media for all under 16s in the UK. But what does that real...

7:19Jun 18, 2026

What’s in the US-Iran deal and will it work?

On Sunday evening, a framework deal between the US and Iran was signed to end the four-month war. Will the deal last? Host: Madeleine Parr W...

9:00Jun 17, 2026

How social media is fuelling far-right riots

The UK has seen far-right riots in the wake of two attacks in recent weeks - in Southampton and Belfast. Writer: Poppy Bullard Producer: Pop...

6:03Jun 16, 2026

Who’s behind the Nigel Farage crypto scam?

Last week, X users were flooded with images of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage fighting Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England. Th...

8:21Jun 15, 2026

The business of climbing Everest

An Everest guide was discovered close to death after surviving on the mountainside for six day, after he was left by the rest of his climbin...

7:26Jun 12, 2026

What’s behind the protests against the Kushner-Trump luxury development in Albania?

Protests in Albania against a planned luxury resort development linked to Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner may be evolving into a...

8:14Jun 11, 2026

Why are football World Cup tickets so expensive?

Despite assurances that the men's football World Cup would sell out, thousands of tickets are still available on resale sites, at hugely inf...

5:07Jun 10, 2026

Why is Ghana criminalising LGBTQ+ people?

In recent years, several African countries have rowed back on LGBTQ+ rights, the latest being Ghana. Writer: Ada Barumé Producer: Amalie Sor...

6:34Jun 9, 2026

Why is Gen Z increasingly discontent with AI?

Booing AI at graduation ceremonies in the US is becoming a trend. What’s behind it? Host: Madeleine Parr Writer & Producer: Amalie Sortland...

7:32Jun 8, 2026

The fallout from the Henry Nowak case

The police’s treatment of Henry Nowak, who was handcuffed after he had been stabbed, has prompted riots in Southampton, and allegations of a...

7:38Jun 5, 2026

What is Trump’s endgame in Cuba?

As Donald Trump ramps up pressure on Cuba, the island is facing fuel shortages, economic collapse and mass emigration. But will these threat...

7:14Jun 4, 2026

Why can cold water be so dangerous?

More than a dozen people have died trying to cool off during the May heatwave. When does swimming in cold water become fatal? Writer: Ada Ba...

6:23Jun 3, 2026

The Pope’s AI warning

Last week Pope Leo chose to focus on the dangers of artificial intelligence during his first major teaching. Why did he decide to concentrat...

7:10Jun 2, 2026

Will an El Niño event cause even hotter summers?

There are reports of a super El Niño on the way. But what would that mean for the UK and the world's weather? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...

6:52Jun 1, 2026

Peter Murrell’s embezzlement scandal

This week Peter Murrell, the estranged husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, admitted to embezzling £400,000 from the S...

7:34May 29, 2026

Why is the government pushing for price caps?

Last week, reports emerged that the UK Treasury had discussed with supermarkets the idea of capping prices on staple foods like bread, eggs...

8:18May 28, 2026

Will the UK rejoin the EU?

A decade after Britain voted to leave the European Union, Brexit is again part of the political debate. Host: Ada Barumé Writer & Producer:...

9:19May 27, 2026

Is social media damaging London’s tourist trade?

AI videos depicting London rife with gangs, violence, and crime may be driving overseas tourists away from the capital. Writer: April McLenn...

7:31May 26, 2026

Could the Married at First Sight allegations change the TV industry?

What the Married at First Sight allegations could mean for Channel 4 and the future of reality TV. Writer: Ada Barume Producer: Katie Gunnin...

7:19May 22, 2026