The United States places huge strategic value on Diego Garcia because of its intelligence gathering capability

An independent inquiry has revealed the scale - of inadequacy in NHS maternity and neonatal services in England – and the devastating emotional and psychological consequences suffered by families. After a series of scandals, what is the state of maternity care in the country?

New US trade tariffs will come into force on 1 February until Denmark relents

The man known as ‘Clavicular' has become the face of ‘looksmaxxing'. But where did this internet phenomenon come from?   Watch Ben Zand's new documentary ‘Why Men Rent Girlfriends (Darker Than You Think)' HERE.   Writer: Ada Barumé Producer: Amalie Sortland  Host: Ada Barumé Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett

Nicolás Maduro’s former No 2 must tread a fine line between appeasing hardliners and placating US demands for oil

How the fallout from a racial slur at this year's Bafta awards might change the public's perception of Tourette's syndrome.   Writer: Casey Magloire and Amalie Sortland Producer: Amalie Sortland  Host: Casey Magloire  Episode photography: Sofia Fenton Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett  

Banning under 16s will test whether age laws are enforceable or beneficial

The UK one-in-one-out deal with France to deter migrants from crossing the Channel on small boats entered into force last year. Since then, the deal has faced a number of legal challenges. Has the scheme been a success?  

A new podcast series from Sky News and Tortoise examines what might happen in the event of an attack on Britain

This week, we are tackling two types of drama: reality TV and gothic literature.  First up: a new Netflix doc lifts the lid on the hit TV show, America's Next Top Model. Was host and former supermodel Tyra Banks the ultimate TV villain or a victim of toxic 00s culture?  And then, we're switching gears to the big screen and talking about the new Wuthering Heights film. Does a film have to be "faithful" to the book to be good, or are we okay with a total vibe-shift? Director Emerald Fennell made some bold choices with the latest version of the Brontë classic, does it work? Liv and Miranda love to share their recommendations, here's what's on their radar this week:  Liv: Pillow Talk - Nicolas Deshayes & Paloma Proudfoot Miranda: Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch  

The Epstein Files are wreaking havoc across British institutions; first the Royal family and now, the government. Peter Mandelson was sacked as US Ambassador in September over his links to the billionaire paedophile, but the latest tranche of documents show the pair were closer than anyone previously knew. What did their relationship look like? And did it give Jeffrey Epstein access to the heart of the British government?   Reporters: Ada Barume and Poppy Bullard   Producer: Poppy Bullard   Sound design: Dominic Delargy   Editor: Jasper Corbett  

Should the government consider implementing a graduate tax to make the tuition repayment system fairer? What did Jim Ratcliffe get wrong about immigration in the UK? And do we need to get serious about carbon capturing?    Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer's Andrew Butler, Ada Barumé and James Tapper as they battle it out to see who can pitch the story that should lead the news.  

Two senior aides to Keir Starmer have resigned. What does this tell us about where his leadership is heading? What do mass layoffs at The Washington Post mean for journalism? And why did Bad Bunny's Super Bowl half-time show irked Donald Trump?    Jasper Corbett is joined by The Observer's Whitehall Editor Cat Neilan, producer Casey Magloire and Digital Production Editor Elaine McCallig to battle out who can pitch the story that should lead the news.   Please come and see us at the next The News Meeting Live on Thursday, the 26th of February: https://observer.co.uk/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-8    **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk  Follow us on Social Media:  @ObserverUK on X  @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky    Host: Jasper Corbett   Producer: Amalie Sortland   Executive Producer: Matt Russell   To find out more about The Observer:   Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk  Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Waymo plans to roll out its driverless taxi service in London by the end of this year. But there are still obstacles the company needs to overcome to put autonomous vehicles on the road.    Writer: Jonathan Lewis Producer: Amalie Sortland Host: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett

The HBO hit, Industry, is back on TV and more stressful than ever. The gritty financial thriller doesn't pull its punches when it comes to showing the darker elements of British society. Liv and Miranda discuss what they think the show is about. Class? Capitalism? Race? A combination of all three, perhaps?   Harry Styles, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are just a few of the artists who are taking touring to the next level. Long gone are the days of acts occupying a stadium for a night or two - now, tours appear to be closer to international residencies. And you need to take out a loan to buy tickets. What's happened? Liv and Miranda love to share their recommendations, here's what's on their radar this week:  Liv: Sirât (film)  My Father's shadow  Miranda:  Zine Age Kicks (book) by James Brown

What does the reopening of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza mean for the next phase of Donald Trump's ceasefire plan? What backlash might Keir Starmer face from new details surrounding Lord Peter Mandelson's relationship to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein? And what are the effects of new age verification requirements on Pornhub?   Jasper Corbett is joined by The Observer reporters Serena Cesareo and Bex Sander, and Whitehall Editor Cat Neilan to battle out who can pitch the story that should lead the news.   Please come and see us at the next The News Meeting Live on Thursday, the 26th of February: https://observer.co.uk/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-8    **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk  Follow us on Social Media:  @ObserverUK on X  @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky    Host: Jasper Corbett   Producer: Amalie Sortland   Executive Producer: Matt Russell   To find out more about The Observer:   Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk  Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalist

Pub-owners and Landlords have been campaigning for more action from the government since last November's budget  when changes to business rates were announced.    Writer: Poppy Bullard   Producer: Poppy Bullard   Host: Ada Barume   Episode photography: Joe Mee   Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett  

After a second civilian is killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis, pressure is mounting for a formal investigation into the shooting. Trump has recalled the senior border patrol commander in charge of the operation in Minneapolis, but does this represent a real scaling back of immigration enforcement in Minnesota? Writer: Madeleine Parr Producer: Madeleine Parr Host: Ada Barume  Episode photography: Sofia Fenton Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett  

On Monday, Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) published a full page ad in the Wall Street Journal, apologising for antisemitic behaviour and hate speech. He shared that late diagnosis of frontal lobe damage and bipolar disorder was to blame.  But after all this time… are we ready to forgive Kanye?  And hit show Bridgerton is back! What will the ton be wearing this season? We get all the details from the show's costume designers John Glasser and Dougie Hawke.  Liv and Miranda love to share their recommendations, here's what's on their radar this week: Liv: Brogan Bertie (artist)  Tickets to The Observer Bookclub HERE   Let's chat! Send us your voice notes!  @WeHaveNotes_Pod on Instagram @WeHaveNotes_Pod on TikTok wehavenotes@observer.co.uk via email   

Some 60 countries have been invited to join the Board, and each would have to pay a billion dollars if they want to become permanent members. Trump will be its inaugural Chairman, a position he can hold for life.    Writer: Poppy Bullard   Producer: Poppy Bullard   Host: Casey Magloire   Episode photography: Sofia Fenton    Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett  

How is the Trump administration defending the killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents? Why was Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham blocked from running as MP? And what role will Trump's new Board of Peace play in Gaza?   Jasper Corbett is joined by The Observer reporters Stephen Armstrong and Serena Cesareo, and producer Poppy Bullard to battle out who can pitch the story that should lead the news.   Please come and see us at the next The News Meeting Live on Thursday, the 2 9th of January: https://observer.co.uk/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-7    **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk  Follow us on Social Media:  @ObserverUK on X  @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky    Host: Jasper Corbett   Producer: Amalie Sortland   Executive Producer: Matt Russell   To find out more about The Observer:   Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk  Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalist

The internet and group chats across the country were on fire on Monday night with the news that Brooklyn Beckham had finally addressed rumours of a rift with his famous parents. We give you TLDR on everything that happened, Brooklyn's claims and discuss the PR approach the Beckhams may be using.  Before Brooklyn's Instagram story, the only thing the internet was talking about was the viral hit TV show Heated Rivalry. How did a small, indy show become the most talked about series of the year? And we hear from artist Lindsey Mendick, who is a part of the team behind Off Season, a pop-up art festival in Margate.  More details on Off Season HERE   Watch full episodes on YouTube - HERE  Liv and Miranda love to share their recommendations, here's what's on their radar this week:  Liv: No Other Choice (film)  To Whom This May Concern - Jill Scott   Miranda:  Hamilton  The Self Help Podcast  Read more On My Radar recommendations from The Observer's New Review HERE  Let's chat! Send us your voice notes!  @WeHaveNotes_Pod on Instagram @WeHaveNotes_Pod on TikTok wehavenotes@observer.co.uk via email   

Rachel hears the shocking story of “Patient A”, who explains that patients are at risk too. Her testimony raises more questions about the way sexual misconduct cases are handled in healthcare, as victims — both doctors and patients — call for change. Reporter: Rachel Sylvester Producer: Gary Marshall Artwork: Lola Williams Sound Design: Dominic Delargy Editor: Jasper Corbett   

When an esteemed transplant surgeon is found to have sexually harassed a number of his female colleagues — sometimes in the middle of operations — the General Medical Council recommends that he be struck off the medical register. But that is not what happens. Rachel Sylvester discovers that the case of James Gilbert, isn't a shocking one-off. In fact, it is symptomatic of a much wider problem in surgery.   Reporter: Rachel Sylvester   Producer: Gary Marshall   Artwork: Lola Williams   Sound Design: Dominic Delargy   Editor: Jasper Corbett   

Tens of thousands of people in South East England have been without water for days. What's gone wrong and how much is the water company South East Water, to blame?  Host: Casey Magloire Writer: Ada Barumé Producer:  Amalie Sortland Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett