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.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 108

The Story
Podcast Episodes
Four years of war: can Ukraine continue to defy Putin? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:49
Four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine is still fighting – but the strain is visible. How has the conflict changed since those first days of war? Why would a free and fair election in Ukraine be so difficu…
Broken trust: Inside England's maternity scandal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:30
Over the past decade, thousands of families say they have been failed by England's maternity services. With a review into 12 NHS trusts due to publish its interim findings this week, we hear from some of those affected.…
Jesse Jackson: Civil rights trailblazer - The Sunday Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:27
Jesse Jackson, the civil rights firebrand, preacher, and two-time presidential candidate rose from segregated South Carolina to the front lines of America’s fight for justice. Marching alongside Martin Luther King Jr., J…
Andrew is arrested [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:59
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has denied all wrongdoing. This is the first time a member of the royal family has been arrested since the English Civil War in…
LATEST: Chaos engulfs the royal family [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:56
Just after 8am this morning, patrol cars arrived at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. What do we know? What happens next? And what do…
The Board of Peace: the new UN or Trump's vanity project? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:18
The Board of Peace began with the grand ambition of reconstructing Gaza and securing a lasting end to one of the world’s most intractable conflicts. But with Donald Trump as chairman for life, its ambitions have grown: i…
Why are more young people getting bowel cancer? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:41
James Van Der Beek’s death last week at just 48 shocked fans, reignited fears about a disease we still associate with old age. Cases of bowel cancer are rising in those under 50, even as rates fall among the elderly. To…