James O'Brien Daily

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Latest episodes

• Cancer is hitting people far younger than we think

  October 6, 2026 · 59 min

  Cancer is increasingly affecting people under 50 - but what does it feel like to receive a diagnosis at an age when you never imagined it could happen to you? From missed symptoms and life-saving persistence with GPs to treatment, anxiety…

• The Green Party vote that has alarmed Jewish members

  October 5, 2026 · 60 min

  The Green Party has voted to define Zionism as a form of racism, prompting concern from Jewish members who fear it could stigmatise people simply for attending synagogues or identifying with Israel’s right to exist. James explores the…

• The scandal hiding inside Britain’s prisons

  October 2, 2026 · 1 hr 0 min

  Half of prisoners in England and Wales are functionally illiterate. James asks what prison is actually for when education, rehabilitation and support on release are so limited - and why a system meant to reduce crime can leave people more…

• Brexit failed... now Britain wants back in the EU

  October 1, 2026 · 57 min

  Brexit has “done more harm than good”, says Andy Burnham, as he opens the door to a new national conversation about Britain’s future relationship with Europe. James asks if the country is ready to confront the consequences of leaving and…

• The Burnham speech that put hope back into politics

  September 30, 2026 · 56 min

  Andy Burnham’s conference speech sets out a vision for a healthier, wealthier and kinder Britain - from social care, housing and water to electoral reform and a closer relationship with Europe. James reflects on a speech that put hope back…

• End the triple lock & save social care

  September 29, 2026 · 1 hr 1 min

  Could ending the state pension triple lock help fund a social care system that is free at the point of use? James examines Andy Burnham’s reported plans, asking whether pensioners could accept smaller annual increases in return for…

• Britain’s long road back to the EU

  September 28, 2026 · 1 hr 2 min

  Sadiq Khan wants Britain to start work on rejoining the EU, while Andy Burnham refuses to rule it out. James asks whether it is politically wise to reopen the Brexit argument — and whether the EU would trust Britain to stay. Plus, would…

• The 14-year-olds Britain is already writing off

  September 25, 2026 · 1 hr 0 min

  Not every young person thrives in a traditional classroom, but is vocational education a route to opportunity or an early label that limits ambition? Plus, more than 52,000 people are claiming benefits for back pain with no specific cause…