The Briefing Room Episodes Episode guide
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09/01/2025
David Aaronovitch and guests present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.
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02/01/2025
David Aaronovitch and guests present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.
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Why we need to care about the Arctic
What threats and opportunities does the Arctic face?
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Is chainsaw economics working in Argentina?
President Milei is cutting inflation, government spending and regulations.
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Will new weight loss drugs save or bankrupt the NHS?
The NHS is set to offer Mounjaro to 3.4m people to tackle obesity.
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What’s going on in Syria?
The quick fall of the Assad regime.
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Ukraine - what’s next?
Both sides struggle to get the upper hand in the conflict.
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Why do we have such overcrowded prisons?
Britain has the highest number of prisoners per head of population in western Europe.
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European defence in the new Trump era
What is the future of Nato and European security?
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What does the Budget mean for the UK’s economy?
The chancellor attempts to fix the UK’s finances - will she succeed?
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How do the Lebanon attacks alter the equation in the Middle East?
David Aaronovitch and guests discuss the recent attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon.
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Is Germany in trouble?
Should Germany worry about the far right's success in regional elections in east Germany?
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How much trouble is the UK economy in?
Are the UK's finances really as bad as Labour says? And if they are, how do they fix them?
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What we know (and don't know) about the new Mpox outbreak
David Aaronovitch and guests talk about how worried we should be about the new MPox strain
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Global Tensions 3: Russia and the West
Could the Russia Ukraine war lead to further escalation in the region and further afield?
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Global Tensions 2: China, Taiwan and the South China Sea
China sees Taiwan as part of its territory. Taiwan thinks otherwise. Is trouble looming?
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Global Tensions 1: The Middle East
What happens if the situation in the Middle East spirals out of control?
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Can planning reform really boost economic growth?
Will Labour's pledge to overhaul planning rules deliver the economic growth they want?
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Health special 3: How far could artificial intelligence transform medicine?
AI technology promises to improve health outcomes. How soon might it be a reality?
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Health special 2. Why is anxiety and depression increasing in the UK?
Figures show a significant rise in mental health disorders among 16 to 24-year-olds. Why?
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Health special 1: Advances in cancer research and treatment
Cancer: Are we are experiencing a step change in how we understand and treat the disease?
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South African and Indian elections: the aftermath
What's happening in South Africa and India after shock election results?
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What's happening in Sudan?
Tens of thousands have been killed and millions have been displaced as fighting rages.
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What's the Biden ceasefire plan and will it work?
There's a plan to end the war in Gaza, but do Israel and Hamas want to sign up to it?
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What does Macron's gamble mean for France?
France is at a political crossroads but will Macron or Le Pen come out on top?
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Are Trump's legal cases really a problem for him?
Donald Trump is 0 for 3 in court and the more serious cases are yet to be heard.
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Ukraine: Who's winning the war?
Russia has stepped up its attacks in Ukraine and is putting pressure on Kharkiv.
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How much trouble are UK universities in?
Domestic fees haven't risen with inflation and foreign student visas are set to curbed.
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Avian flu is evolving but what risk does it pose to us?
Avian flu has killed millions of birds and seals and it's now infecting cows in America
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Why is the water industry in so much trouble?
Britain's biggest water suppliers are struggling with sewage, leaks and huge debts.
