21/03/21

An excerpt from a radio broadcast that perhaps began to foreshadow the trouble ahead...

You're listening to Andrew Castle on LBC, leading Britain's conversation. It's 7 o'clock on Sunday the 21st.

Before we start this mornings conversation here's Jeff with the news.

Thanks Andrew, a recap of the headlines from this morning.

Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has received the full support of Prime Minister Boris Johnson despite calls for her to go following the alleged heavy handed response to women protesting at the Sarah Everard vigil.

Johnson has also defended the controversial anti-protest bill going through Parliament, saying it's necessary to protect against anti-social behaviour during the covid pandemic

A fire in County Durham is said to have been targeted against an ex Royal Marine who says he has been standing up against yobs threatening people in his community

The national census kicks off. It's a once in 10 year survey of the state of the UK.

UK intelligence has recently warned of Russian submarines aggressively operating near Atlantic cables amidst claims the Royal Navy will be deployed to defend critical undersea comms links

In Russia, President Putin continues his war of words with new US President Biden after Biden criticised him in their recent first conversation since the US election. Putin angrily denied any problems with the Russian covid vaccine, pointing out that the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine is the only one that has led to deaths

The FTSE index was down 1.05% at close on Friday after the China-US reset in Alaska did not end amicably.

Over to Manoj now with the sport

Thanks Jeff. Heartbreak for Wales. Denied a Grand Slam in Paris as the last play of the game gave France a try and a win.

England coach Eddie Jones is under fire for his side's poor display against Ireland yesterday. Speculation is mounting that he may be replaced ahead of the next world cup.

Wins for Southampton and Man City see them through to the FA Cup Semi Finals.

Kirsty now with the weather

Overcast today with highs of 12 degrees but it still feels pretty chilly over night with lows around 6.

Marcus here with your entertainment headline and of course the big news London has been waiting for. He's done it. Nathan Evans is No 1. Let's hear his rendition of Wellerman https://youtu.be/SLiNQhQr4G4



22/03/21

Nick Ferrari with you this morning on LBC. Rise and shine. 7am. We're leading Britain's conversation here. First though the news with Jeff:

Violent scenes last night in Bristol as police are attacked by a mob. Police vans set on fire. Officers injured. The Home Secretary Priti Patel has promised a robust response.

Clampdowns internationally continue. In the US, Spring Break gone wild on Miami Beach leads to new curfews. In Russia, social media has been restricted and a programme of training for journalists has been announced by the Government.

In Africa, the main opposition candidate in elections in Congo dies supposedly of Covid. Coming about a week after the leader of Tanzania died in similarly mysterious circumstances.

In business news, Saudi oil giant Aramco annonuced a $40bn loss amidst speculation of a drastic restructuring of Saudi production.

In sports, exciting times for Leicester and Chelseas, joining Southampton and Man City in the semis.

A bit of a kerfuffle in the normally genteel world of badminton after the heavily favoured Indonesian team was barred from the All England Championships due to health concerns.

The weather today. Sunny at times with a fair amount of cloud. Highs of 13. Nearly t-shirt weather.



23/03/21

Shelagh Fogarty leading Britain's conversation on LBC at 1pm.

The Government is planning to enshrine in law the idea that going on holiday is illegal, backed up with 5000 pound fines. Is this all too much? Has the Government gone too far this time?

And we also ask on law and order - has the Government lost control of this country? What support will they put in place for the police to crackdown on yobs? Do we need a return to the era of the Ring of Steel?

The spat with the EU over covid vaccines isn't going away. An interruption to supply from a factory in India could add weeks if not more to the timeline for getting past covid. Is it time for the UK to start approving vaccines that are working well elsewhere to get back on track with that vaccine target?

How is the global economy coping with the continued lockdowns around the world? Petrol prices are creeping up with rumours of massive cuts in production imminently. What should this country do to keep up the supply of fuel?

Don't forget it's 0345 60 60 734 to call in with your views. How can we fix these problems with broken Britain?



25/03/21

...just wanted to get your take on this Nigel, frm Reuters. It says somewhat pompously: The Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization has decided the situation in Russia does not constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. What do you make of that?

Well Nick, I'm no health expert but the man and woman on the street can plainly see that everything the WHO has said in the past year and a half has been wrong. So whatever they're saying now must be wrong again.

First they said we didn't need a mask. Then they said we did need a mask. Then it was throw away all your freedoms and civil liberties. Then it was wear two masks. Or was it three? Who knows what they'll say next?

You're not wrong Nigel. Just before you go then. What about his closing down of social media in Russia?

Wish we had a bit more of that here in Britain. Wish someone had the guts to stand up to these globalist elites who keep stamping on our freedom of expression. About time the Russians stood up to them and started cancelling the cancellers. Good for them. More of that here, I say.

28/03/21

The news headlines now at 10 o'clock. That's right, the clocks have gone forward.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has postponed his planned statement on opening up post covid, saying now wasn't the time.

A dark day in Burma with over 100 killed by the military government.

Troops on the streets of Dublin after an incident at a quarantine hotel. Irish authorities say they are still looking for a number of people who allegedly fled overnight.

Concerns over the price of petrol as Saudi productin drops by 85%. OPEC Ministers are expected to issue a statement shortly.

In Kenya, the Government has imposed a 24 hour curfew on the capital, Nairobi.

Sports news - a real shocker for the Irish as their world cup qualification hopes suffer a massive blow in a surprise loss to Luxembourg.

An incredible heavyweight title match in the UFC. Look away now if you don't want to know the final score...

Weather today - cloudy, highs of 13.

In entertainment news - who has knocked Nathan Evans off the top spot this week?

That's right it's ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90Oc9Xl5Aps



So it's been a year of lockdown and has been a bit of a grind. Let's turn this afternoon to something that brings a bit of harmless fun for some and a bit of pointless ridicule to others. Eurovision. Let's hear from Eurovision expert Magnus Erikson on some of this year's entrants.

Yes well-err the excitement for Eurovision fans is growing ahead of this year's competition in the functional port city of Rotterdam.

Already some controversy with Belarus being excluded for being overly political but here are some of the favourites for the competition:

First up, Germany. Not always a Eurovision power but quietly confident with their entry this year from the Mannerchor Somborn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el9cYtcUTAM

Maybe not a favourite this year, but expect good things from Spain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8d07oMkxxc

Norway taking a different approach to some of the other countries this year but maybe a dark horse? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSfG4UtiGBQ

Bookies favourite without a doubt, Russia. Can anyone stop Alina? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNmLn6a-jqw

As for Britain. I don't know. Maybe the dreaded nul points is on the cards? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDpb8RHA5Vw



29/03/21

We'll cut straight to a statement by the Prime Minister

...and as I said to my good friend the Crown Prince, we should have no more of these Sheherazadic tales. I have every confidence that Saudi Arabia will be able to bring its supply back online imminentely.

I do remain in earnest recognition of just how sensible the British people are. Yes there will be a temporary shutdown. But only temporary. I assure you. We need to make sure we protect the NHS and its access to key supplies. Once supply is back to its usual rambunctious self, we'll be closer than ever to emerging post the scourge of covid.

The transport restrictions will be phased in from tonight. There will be fewer public transport services from tomorrow. This may need to continue for a couple of days. Beyond that, I can assure that you all will be well.

We will be back working again soon and Britain will be better than ever.



Well this is a fast paced news day. We don't normally do this on LBC but this is a statement issued by the US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J Austin.

Thank you ladies and gentlemen. I appreciate you coming here today.

At approximately 1537 Moscow time, the United States lost all contact with its personnel deployed in the Russian Federation. We believe Russian security forces have launched an attempt to remove President Vladimir Putin from office.

We can confirm that the image circulating of troops on the streets is authentic and has been verified by our intelligence services.

We will update you with more when we can but for now our first priority is of course the men and women serving the United States. Thank you all. God Bless America.