The Briefing Room Podcast
David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news
Episodes to download
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UK Resilience 3: How prepared are we for the next pandemic?
Thu 28 Aug 2025
Covid is in the rear view mirror but are we equipped to deal with the next pandemic?
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UK Resilience 2: How prepared are we for cyber threats?
Thu 21 Aug 2025
Deepfakes, ransomware, data leaks: cyber crime is evolving fast. But can we keep up?
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UK Resilience 1: How prepared are we for climate change?
Thu 14 Aug 2025
The UK is becoming hotter and wetter but is it prepared to deal with that reality?
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Should the government worry about debt?
Thu 7 Aug 2025
Should the UK and other countries worry about rising levels of government debt?
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Why don't we have ID cards in the UK?
Thu 31 Jul 2025
David Aaronovitch and guests discuss identity cards.
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How close is the UK getting to the European Union?
Thu 24 Jul 2025
Is Labour's promise of 'an improved and ambitious relationship' with Europe coming true?
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Is the tide turning in the Ukraine war?
Thu 17 Jul 2025
What does a change in the Trump-Putin relationship mean for the war in Ukraine?
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The Trump hokey cokey is back - what happens to world trade now?
Thu 10 Jul 2025
As President Trump raises tariffs again, what does this mean for world trade?
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Why is there a row about disability benefits?
Thu 3 Jul 2025
David Aaronovitch and guests discuss why the benefits bill for disability has ballooned.
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Iran: What happens next?
Thu 26 Jun 2025
David Aaronovitch and guests consider the implications of the Israel Iran conflict.
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Explainer: Tensions over Kashmir
Thu 19 Jun 2025
A history of Kashmir and tension between India and Pakistan
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Explainer: Putin鈥檚 motivation for war with Ukraine
Thu 12 Jun 2025
We trace the evolution of Putin鈥檚 attitude towards Ukraine.
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Explainer: A history of US tariffs
Thu 5 Jun 2025
From McKinley to Trump, the rise, fall and rise again of US tariffs.
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Explainer: Rare earths
Thu 29 May 2025
We look at rare earths - What are they and why does everyone seem to want them?
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What is ransomware and what can be done to stop it?
Thu 22 May 2025
How should organisations deal with the threat of ransomware attacks?
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What are rare earths and why does everyone want them?
Thu 8 May 2025
Who dominates the market for rare earths and critical minerals?
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Are India and Pakistan on the brink of war over Kashmir?
Thu 1 May 2025
Tension between India and Pakistan rises following the killing of tourists in Kashmir.
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Can the UK become an AI superpower?
Thu 24 Apr 2025
Can the UK become an AI superpower as the government hopes?
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What cards does China hold?
Thu 17 Apr 2025
What cards does China hold in the trade war with the US?
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What's Trump's tariff hokey cokey all about?
Thu 10 Apr 2025
David Aaronovitch and guests discuss the strategy behind Trump's tariff policy.
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What is Putin's bottom line?
Thu 27 Mar 2025
David Aaronovitch asks what it would take for Putin to agree a peace deal in Ukraine.
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What's the government trying to do to the NHS?
Thu 20 Mar 2025
What are the government's plans for reforming the NHS?
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Why is there a crisis in special educational needs?
Thu 13 Mar 2025
Why is there a huge increase in spending on SEND, and why are parents still struggling?
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Explainer: A short history of conflict in Ukraine
Thu 13 Feb 2025
A quick run down on how it developed
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Explainer: Who made the first electric car?
Thu 30 Jan 2025
A short history of electric cars in the UK.
