Q&A: more pain for Starmer but 'No more Mr. Nice Guy' for Iran

Q&A: more pain for Starmer but 'No more Mr. Nice Guy' for Iran

Author: The Times April 30, 2026 Duration: 29:09

Sir Keir Starmer has dodged a bullet on the Mandelson vetting scandal but did he expend too much political capital in the process? With local elections around the corner he’s not out of the woods yet, so what can we expect from next week's results? And more than 60 days into the Iran war, Trump has proclaimed there's 'No more Mr. Nice Guy' - so are we about to see renewed military action from the USA? Hosts Manveen Rana and Luke Jones are here to answer your questions in our monthly Q&A.


This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory


Hosts: Manveen Rana and Luke Jones. 

Guest: Aubrey Allegretti, chief political correspondent, The Times.

Producers: Olivia Case and Callum Martin.


We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com

Read more: Iran war latest: Trump warns Tehran ‘No more Mr Nice Guy’ in Truth Social post

Further listening: ‘The punishment election’: Is Labour facing a bloodbath in Wales?

Clips: The Independent, Sky. 

Image: @realDonaldTrump / Truth Social

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


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Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
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