Sami Kent

The podcast investigates how more than 70,000 migrants entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco almost simultaneously. Reporting from Ceuta examines why people attempted the dangerous journey, in which at least 70 people died, and how they were treated after arrival. Although nearly all of those who entered had returned a week later, the episode reports that the incident continued to fuel fierce political disputes across the European Union.

Reform UK’s finances have come under intensified scrutiny following Nigel Farage’s receipt of a reported £5m gift from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harbourne. The funding has prompted questions about Farage’s explanations, the timing of his return to politics and alleged arrangements involving deputy leader Richard Tice. Additional scrutiny concerns other party figures, including George Cottrell, while Farage faces pressure to explain whether he can overcome the continuing allegations and questions.

Guardian US beauty columnist Jessica DeFino discusses the rise of “tweakments” and more invasive cosmetic procedures, a trend she describes as “aesthetic inflation.” The conversation examines how treatments such as blepharoplasty, tip stitches and Botox are becoming more accessible and increasingly common among younger women, while creating pressure for people to alter their appearance. It considers how individuals can resist that pressure without judging those who choose cosmetic surgery.

More than 220,000 people have been evacuated across France as wildfires spread through the country, including toward Bordeaux. Evacuees are sheltering in city-centre hangars while waiting for permission to return home. The report examines the broader wildfire crisis affecting Greece, Italy, Spain and Turkey and asks whether such extreme scenes may become an expected part of European summers amid the climate crisis.

Daniel Siad, a longtime associate of Jeffrey Epstein and model scout accused by multiple women of human trafficking and rape, was found dead in his Paris home. Former model Ebba Karlsson recounts meeting Siad, then known as Daniel Goldberg, and alleges that he raped her at a villa near Cannes and later brought her to fashion executive Gerald Marie, whom she also accused of assault; Marie has denied the allegations. Journalist Amelia Gentleman examines what is known about Siad, his relationship with Epstein, and the implications of his death for women seeking justice and for efforts to hold Epstein’s wider network of enablers accountable.

Andy Burnham has pledged to end rough sleeping after becoming prime minister. Helen Pidd visits Embassy Village in Greater Manchester to hear from former rough sleepers about their experiences, while Jessica Murray examines Burnham's record on reducing rough sleeping as mayor and whether his housing-first policies could be expanded nationwide.

Investigative journalists Lucas Amin and Peter Geoghegan examine how Palantir won a £330 million NHS contract, including the role of controversial political figures, paid-for political access and gaps in UK lobbying regulations. The podcast also explores doctors’ and nurses’ experiences implementing Palantir software and questions whether it delivered improvements over the systems previously in use.

Journalist and swimming coach Amjed Tantesh has repeatedly rebuilt pools in Gaza to teach children to swim, despite their destruction during Israeli attacks. After losing his brother, mother, fellow coaches and many former students in the latest war, he is rebuilding five beach pools and restarting lessons. Emma Graham-Harrison reports on how prolonged war and blockade have damaged the childhoods of hundreds of thousands of young people across Gaza.

Andy Burnham has begun his tenure as Britain’s prime minister, facing challenges ranging from the practicalities of life at Downing Street to sensitive relations with the US president. Peter Walker and Paul Harrison assess Burnham’s first speech, new cabinet and early governing priorities.

Andy Burnham begins his first day as prime minister after achieving his long-held ambition. Paul Harrison outlines the practical and political challenges of running Downing Street, including living arrangements and relations with the US president, while Peter Walker examines Burnham’s first speech and cabinet appointments for indications of his governing agenda.

Record-breaking summer temperatures are affecting countries across Europe, including Austria, Germany and the UK, which is experiencing its third heatwave before August. Chartered engineer Tom Greenhill offers practical ways to keep homes cool, while Europe environment correspondent Ajit Niranjan examines government responses and preparations for increasingly hot summers. The discussion emphasizes that coping with extreme heat cannot be left to individuals alone.

Friends, colleagues and mentors describe Andy Burnham’s personal background, career and political evolution as he prepares to become UK prime minister. The discussion highlights his intellectual interests, early journalism experience, political mentorship under David Blunkett, past Labour leadership bids and leadership in Greater Manchester, offering insight into his character and governing style.

Sperm counts are reportedly declining worldwide, while male infertility remains stigmatized and is often overlooked in fertility treatment. Toby Trice describes years of unsuccessful attempts to conceive and two rounds of IVF before a testicular problem was identified and resolved through routine surgery. Reproductive science expert Michael Carroll argues that infertility should be discussed openly and does not diminish masculinity.

China has rapidly embraced artificial intelligence across healthcare, manufacturing, logistics and public life, including AI medical services, intelligent factory robots and drones delivering food on the Great Wall. The state is also adopting AI to expand surveillance capabilities. Amy Hawkins discusses with Annie Kelly how this transformation is reshaping Chinese society, the opportunities and risks involved, and whether China’s experience foreshadows broader global adoption.

Political correspondent Ben Quinn discusses Nigel Farage’s decision to resign as MP and trigger a byelection in his Clacton constituency after months of controversy over his finances. With Reform UK’s serious political rivals declining to contest the election, Farage faces a campaign dominated by novelty candidate Count Binface, raising questions about whether the move could backfire and whether scrutiny of his finances will subside.

Two massive earthquakes struck Venezuela on 24 June, causing widespread destruction and leaving residents searching for friends and relatives. The disaster occurred amid severe political and economic turmoil following the capture of President Maduro by US forces and Delcy Rodriguez’s installation as his successor. Despite what is described as an incompetent political response, ordinary Venezuelans organized rescue efforts with basic tools and their bare hands, while the country faced the challenge of rebuilding.

The rising success of the US men’s national team during their home World Cup is shifting American attitudes toward football, helped by enthusiastic visiting supporters from abroad and growing cultural engagement with the sport.

Idaho has made death by firing squad its primary execution method, contributing to the firing squad being legally available in more US states than at any other time in the country’s history. Ed Pilkington explains why supporters describe the method as safe and humane, while examining evidence and accusations that executions have been botched or deliberately prolonged, placing the development in the broader context of capital punishment in Trump’s America.

The podcast examines the life and murder of Annabel Rook, a community leader, mother of two and founder of MamaSuze, an organization supporting refugee women, including survivors of male violence. Her partner, Clifton George, was convicted of killing her. Host Annie Kelly speaks with Rook’s lifelong friend Catherine Milne and her parents, Peter and Susanna Rook, about her character, relationships and the danger surrounding her death after the trial’s conclusion.

Guardian news editor David Batty recounts being told he was adopted, searching for his birth family, and reuniting with his birth mother, who had been forced to give him up. The reunion brought painful and complicated emotions rather than a fairytale resolution, although meeting his half-brother was a source of joy. His story reflects the continuing legacy of forced adoption in the UK, including the Church of England’s apology and indications that the government may follow suit.