Newsnight Season 47, Episode 49: Strait of Hormuz: How Bad Could it Get?

1

President Trump's next move

After US forces capture Venezuelan President Maduro and land him in a New York court, where next for the US president? How alarmed should Greenland, Colombia, Mexico and Cuba be? Plus, in the UK, Sir Keir Starmer's response is under fire - should he call out President Trump? Newsnight hears from Trump insider Carla Sands, Independent MP and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Vanessa Neumann, a key Venezuelan opposition figure.

30 min

2

US looks at ‘options’ to acquire Greenland

The White House says the US is exploring ‘options’ to acquire Greenland, and doesn't rule out using its military. How will the rest of Nato respond as President Trump turns his attention to the autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark? And we speak to one woman who says it was 'dehumanising' after Elon Musk’s X AI chatbot Grok was used to create illegal sexualised images of her. With Victoria Derbyshire.

30 min

3

Minneapolis ICE Shooting

Immigration officers in Minneapolis shoot and kill a motorist. President Trump says it was self-defence, but the Mayor of Minneapolis says the agent used 'reckless power'. State officials say they expect large-scale protests. And Donald Trump sends a message as the US seizes a Russian-flagged oil tanker sailing from Venezuela. Can the US president do what he wants, where he wants? With Victoria Derbyshire.

30 min

4

Iran at Crisis Point?

Anti-regime protests in Iran spread across the country, with reports of government buildings being set alight. What does this mean for the future of Iran and the Middle East? And tensions rise in Minneapolis after the killing of a woman by an ICE agent. With Paddy O'Connell.

30 min

5

Could the Iran Regime Really Fall?

In Iran the internet is down but the protesters are out, again, with calls for President Trump to intervene. Could the regime really fall? And the art of the u-turn: Keir Starmer backtracks on business rates. We ask experts in spin and polling, how do you sell a government in reverse gear? With Matt Chorley.

30 min

6

Iran: US Considers Action

President Trump announces 25 per cent tariffs on any nation doing business with Iran. In Tehran, eyewitnesses say the Iranian regime has cracked down brutally on protestors. Following criticism of his refusal to apologise yesterday to the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes, Lord Mandelson tells Nick Watt he is 'sorry' to the 'women and girls who suffered'. With Victoria Derbyshire.

30 min

7

Iran: What Will Trump Do?

'Get out of Iran' - the US government's advice to its citizens tonight. What is President Trump planning? And is a huge new Chinese embassy in London a security risk? Some MPs believe so. Victoria Derbyshire discusses with a leading critic and a former Chinese diplomat.

30 min

8

Will Donald Trump Hit Iran?

As US and UK military personnel are withdrawn from their base in Qatar, President Trump considers his options on Iran. Elsewhere, we speak to the writer Ashley St Clair, who is also the mother of one of Elon Musk's children. She tells us she feels violated after being undressed on X's Grok. With Victoria Derbyshire.

30 min

9

Jenrick defects

Kemi Badenoch took pre-emptive action, firing Robert Jenrick after catching wind of his plan to defect to Reform. But was it she or Nigel Farage who won the day? With Paddy O'Connell.

30 min

10

Is Robert Jenrick "uniting the right"?

Robert Jenrick says today he's 'uniting the right', but instead it seems like a political fight to the death between Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage. Who will win? And Keir Starmer just wants to unite his own party, but can a 'praetorian guard' of ministers rally around him to save the Prime Minister from his own backbenchers? With Matt Chorley.

30 min

11

What Next for Greenland?

Will President Trump take Greenland by force? When asked today, he replied 'No comment'. What's his next move and how should the UK government respond? And how pleased will President Putin be about everything that's going on? With Victoria Derbyshire.

30 min

12

"You’ll Find Out"

"You'll find out", President Trump tells a reporter, who asks how far he'll go on Greenland. The stakes couldn't be higher: tomorrow President Trump addresses global leaders with THE speech of Davos: he's set to tell them that the US HAS to have Greenland. Realistically can Europe, can Nato do anything to stop that? With Victoria Derbyshire.

30 min

13

Trump: We've got a deal on Greenland

President Donald Trump says he's got a deal on Greenland and won't invade the territory or introduce tariffs on European nations who had opposed a US military takeover of Greenland. Has he backed down? And why? With Victoria Derbyshire.

30 min

14

Europe and Trump's New World Order?

Europe's leaders meet tonight to pick up the pieces. Has President Trump got his brave new world or made us weaker? With Paddy O'Connell.

30 min

15

Burnham's countdown

The deadline approaches for Andy Burnham to make a bid for parliament and No 10. Is he about to burst back into Westminster? And Sir Keir Starmer condemns Donald Trump's 'insulting and frankly appalling' remarks about Brits who fought in Afghanistan. What now for the not-so-special relationship? With Matt Chorley.

30 min

16

Another Reform defection

Suella Braverman, another high profile Tory, defects to Reform. Is Nigel Farage's party now just a dumping ground for ex-Conservative ministers, and will voters buy it? As the US president suggests he will reduce the number of ICE agents in Minneapolis, the lawyer for the family of Renee Good, shot dead by ICE two weeks ago, tells Newsnight in an exclusive interview that the Good family have been 'retraumatised' after the killing of Alex Pretti.

30 min

17

Trump's Iran 'Armada'

Tehran warns of serious ramifications in the case of a US military strike, after a US aircraft carrier arrives in the Middle East. President Trump says he believes the regime still wants talks, so what is about to happen? We talk to an influential Iranian activist who has survived multiple attempts on her life (she will face her alleged Iranian state-backed assassin in a New York court tomorrow) and an Iranian protester who saw people killed by the authorities right in front of her. With Victoria Derbyshire.

31 min

18

Will America Strike Iran?

Is the US getting ready to strike Iran? Donald Trump has warned time's running out to make a deal on its nuclear facilities. And are student loans unfair? Martin Lewis joins us live. With Victoria Derbyshire.

30 min

19

China charmer Starmer?

he PM leaves Beijing with a deal on visas, whisky and more. But do the risks outweigh the rewards? A review has found that nearly 100 children were harmed by a Great Ormond Street Hospital limb reconstruction surgeon. The BBC has attempted to contact Jabbar. The hospital said it was 'deeply sorry' for the harm caused. Since the live broadcast, we have been made aware that a contributor’s comment stating that the whistleblower had been suspended was incorrect. With Paddy O'Connell.

30 min

20

Epstein files released

The White House releases more than three million pages worth of Epstein files. But where does this leave the victims and their search for answers? And were two men abducted under the cover of darkness by the US in UK waters? With Matt Chorley.

30 min

21

What Next for Lord Mandelson?

How serious is the trouble Lord Mandelson is in? The Met Police says it's reviewing 'reports relating to alleged misconduct in a public office,' after those revelations in the Epstein files. Tonight, what are the key questions for Mandelson AND the government? And the government says it's not backing down on changes to student loans in England and Wales, despite graduates and Martin Lewis telling Newsnight they're unfair. Could it be forced into a rethink? With Victoria Derbyshire.

30 min

22

Starmer Cuts Mandelson Adrift

Peter Mandelson spent four decades at the heart of the Labour Party. As the Met launches a criminal investigation into misconduct in public office offences, Sir Keir Starmer has now cut him adrift. What does his appointment say about the Prime Minister's judgement? Plus, as thousands of Epstein documents are taken down because the victims are identified, we focus on one Epstein property - his New Mexico ranch. What happened? With Katie Razzall.

31 min

23

More Epstein revelations unearthed

A new Epstein file suggests Ghislaine Maxwell thinks the picture of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor with her and Virginia Giuffre is authentic. And how hard is life for Kier Starmer because of the Mandelson scandal? With Paddy O'Connell.

30 min

24

Can Keir Starmer survive?

After a week of crisis, can Keir Starmer survive? And as the prime minister apologises to Jeffrey Epstein's victims, one of them gives Newsnight her reaction. With Paddy O'Connell.

30 min

25

Police search Mandelson homes

As the police search Peter Mandelson's homes, Labour MPs search for hope. So where does danger lie next for a prime minister in peril? And, Donald Trump deletes a racist clip depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes. What does the reversal tell us and what damage has it done?

30 min

26

Cabinet rallies behind Starmer

The prime minister comes out defiant as he meets Labour MPs. His cabinet backs him after the Scottish Labour leader says it's time for him to go. How long can Starmer hold on? Plus, in an unprecedented intervention, King Charles says he stands ready to support any police investigation into his brother Andrew over the Epstein scandal. In an exclusive interview, the co-author of Virginia Giuffre's memoir joins us live. With Victoria Derbyshire.

44 min

27

US Epstein Fallout Builds

Epstein revelations have toppled senior figures in Europe while up to now, the US fallout has been more muted. Is that about to change with growing pressure from survivors and the country's most senior lawyer set to testify tomorrow on the release of the files. Growing calls for the Royal Family to do more about Andrew. Tonight a leading US Congresswoman tells Newsnight that the King should direct his brother to go the States and there should be a UK inquiry. Is she right?

30 min

28

Immigration and Jim Ratcliffe

The prime minister calls on one of the richest men in the country, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, to apologise after the co-owner of Manchester United says the UK has been colonised by immigrants. We'll get reaction from Ash Sarkar and Matthew Syed. Plus, anger explodes as the Trump administration's top lawyer defends her government's handling of the Epstein files. And pressure from Gordon Brown on ex-Prince Andrew - does any of it take the survivors even one iota closer to justice? With Victoria Derbyshire

30 min

29

Cabinet Secretary Sacked

Trouble at the top as another one bites the dust in Downing Street. Just what is going on behind the door of Number 10? And will AI mine the human soul and use it to manipulate us? A concerned AI researcher speaks to Newsnight after quitting her job at OpenAI in protest. Also, the threshold at which graduates in England and Wales need to repay their loans is about to be frozen. How much will it add to their debt? With Paddy O'Connell.

30 min

30

Pressure on the Palace

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor faces another accusation of sharing an official document, with reports that he gave a Treasury briefing to one of his personal business contacts. Historian and friend of King Charles, Jonathan Dimbleby, talks to Newsnight about where the mounting pressure leaves the monarchy. With Katie Razzall.

30 min

31

The US Senator v President Trump

A Newsnight exclusive: we hear live from Democrat senator Mark Kelly who has been described as 'Public Enemy Number One' by President Trump. Plus, Gisèle Pelicot, the woman at the centre of France's largest rape trial, speaks publicly for the first time. What does her message mean for survivors? Interviews and insight with Victoria Derbyshire.

30 min

32

Reform Vow to Scrap Equality Act

A new frontbench team for Reform vow to scrap the 2010 Equality Act, which legally protects people from discrimination. Plus, how do we fix youth unemployment? Newsnight hears from two 23-year-olds who have applied for almost 500 jobs between them. They say most employers don’t even reply. With Victoria Derbyshire.

30 min

33

What did the police know?

The Metropolitan Police is carrying out 'initial inquiries' into allegations relating to close protection officers formerly assigned to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. And, Epstein's ranch in New Mexico has now officially become the focus of a new investigation into the possible trafficking and abuse of victims. We talk to the legislator who has instigated what is being called a 'truth commission'. With Victoria Derbyshire.

30 min

34

Andrew Arrested

After the news of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest, we speak exclusively to the family of the woman who first made accusations of wrongdoing against him. And we speak to the historian and friend of King Charles, Jonathan Dimbleby, on just how deep a crisis this is for the monarchy. With Paddy O'Connell

30 min

35

Andrew's Claim to the Throne?

A new move which would prevent Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from ever becoming king. The government considers removing eighth in line to the throne Andrew from the royal line of succession. Historian David Olusoga explains its historical significance. And there's a major blow for president Trump as the Supreme Court justices strike down his sweeping tariffs. He calls them 'fools and lapdogs'. A close ally of his, Anna Paulina Luna, talks to Newsnight. With Nick Watt

30 min

36

Mandelson arrested

Lord Mandelson is arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The Conservatives say it's 'the defining moment of Keir Starmer's premiership'. Is it? Lord Mandelson denies all wrongdoing. Plus, a racial slur at the BAFTA Film Awards by a guest with Tourette's syndrome. We discuss live in the studio. With Victoria Derbyshire.

30 min

37

Nuclear test veterans: the search for the truth

Since Christmas, 30 British veterans who witnessed nuclear testing in the 1950s and 60s have died. Christmas was when they were expecting a government report that might have given them some answers. We return to the testimony of two nuclear veterans who witnessed multiple bombs being detonated. Will they find out the truth? Plus, we hear from the voters of Gorton and Denton, ahead of the consequential by-election this Thursday. With Victoria Derbyshire.

30 min

38

Student Loan Reform?

Four weeks ago Newsnight shone a light on the student loan system. Tonight, we hear change could be coming through the government. We ask a 29-year-old biochemistry graduate with a six-figure debt how Rachel Reeves could help him. With Victoria Derbyshire

30 min

39

A Landmark By-Election?

our by-election night starts here. We've got a top class political panel with Greens leader Zack Polanski, and the party chairs of Labour and Reform. Who’s confident - and whose momentum’s about to stall? And Nick Watt is at the Gorton & Denton count with the latest from the parties as the votes pile up. With Paddy O'Connell.

30 min

40

Is Starmer in trouble?

After the Green's by-election triumph, one Labour MP texts our presenter just 'KMG' - Keir must go. How much trouble is the prime minister in? And what can the Gorton and Denton by-election tell us about what to expect in the upcoming Welsh, Scottish and local elections in May? With Matt Chorley.

30 min

41

'Big Wave' of Iran Strikes Coming

As President Trump says the 'big wave' of strikes on Iran is still to come, we ask what is the US plan and is this conflict escalating? With an expert panel of former cabinet minister Michael Gove, Your Party's Jeremy Corbyn and Middle East expert Dr Sanam Vakil. With Victoria Derbyshire.

30 min

42

Starmer 'No Winston Churchill' Over Iran

As war continues to upend the Middle East, President Trump lashes out at the prime minister. How serious is this falling out? We hear from HR McMaster, Trump’s national security adviser in his first term. Plus, an interview with Labour MP Naz Shah on her family’s experience of domestic violence and 'honour' - or 'izzat' - in Pakistani communities. With Victoria Derbyshire.

30 min

43

Iran versus America

As the US and Israel carry out fresh strikes on Iranian targets, the regime prepares to announce its new supreme leader. What are the calculations inside Tehran? Will a new leader fight on or cave in? And we hear from Parnia - earlier this year she told us how she witnessed the bloody crackdown on protests in Iran - now she fears for her entire family, trapped in a Iranian city hit by military strikes. With Katie Razzall.

30 min

44

Is Starmer doing enough on Iran?

With a navy warship still days away from reaching Cyprus, has the government's response been good enough? And should we cut the interest on the student loans system? We ask a recent graduate who owes £72,000, and two of the architects of the current system. With Paddy O'Connell.

30 min

45

A Week of War

One week ago the first bombs fell in the Middle East. President Trump says there will be 'no deal' with Iran except 'unconditional surrender.' Is he right? How will this end? And despite Keir Starmer insisting he was doing everything to protect Cyprus, the country's foreign minister tells Matt Chorley the future of British bases on the island could be in doubt.

30 min

46

Trump: Iran war 'very complete'

As the price of oil surges, and cost of petrol, food and energy heads upwards, Donald Trump suggests the war is almost over, but then soon after that the US hasn't 'won enough' yet. What does he mean? And what does it mean for you? We hear from Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis. With Victoria Derbyshire.

30 min

47

When will Iran war end?

The White House warns of the 'most intense' day of strikes on Iran. So when could this conflict end? Plus, is the prime minister about to face a new backbench rebellion? MPs say a proposed ban on online pornography depicting sex between relatives does not go far enough. Interviews and insight with Victoria Derbyshire.

30 min

48

Mandelson: What Did Starmer Know?

The first batch of files surrounding Peter Mandelson's appointment to Washington reveals the prime minister was informed of the reputational risk. We ask: what fresh questions does all of this raise about Keir Starmer’s judgement? And as students lobby MPs over the controversial system of loans in England and Wales, we hear from one undergraduate who has wracked up over £90,000 in debt because she comes from a low income family. With Nick Watt

30 min

49

Strait of Hormuz: How Bad Could it Get?

Iran’s new Supreme Leader vows to strangle the Strait of Hormuz, while President Trump says blocking Tehran's nuclear plans beats oil price concerns. Where on earth does that leave the rest of us? And Winston Churchill's to be biffed from the five pound note. Nigel Farage says it's 'absolutely crackers'. Newsnight speaks to Churchill's granddaughter. With Paddy O'Connell.

30 min

50

A new cost of living crisis?

As the war in Iran is followed by price hikes here, the prime minister's cost of living champion tells us some firms are ripping you off. So when does he think the cost of living crisis will actually end? And, as Donald Trump lifts some sanctions on Russian oil to ease global pressures, we ask a key Putin ally if Moscow is the big winner of the war in the Middle East. With Matt Chorley.

30 min

51

Nato 'reluctance' to follow Trump

As Donald Trump demands Nato countries join him in his war in the Middle East, his friend the president of Finland tells Newsnight why there has been 'reluctance and a little bit of a pushback' to the US president. And, two years after Keir Starmer told Esther Rantzen that he was 'personally committed' to changing the law on assisted dying, she tells Newsnight she's 'begging' the House of Lords not to block the bill in an act of 'sabotage'. What next for the bill? With Matt Chorley.

30 min

52

Rachel Reeves on closer ties to the EU

Rachel Reeves calls for closer ties with the EU to boost UK growth, with divergence now 'the exception, not the norm' she says. Newsnight hears from the chancellor, and from Reform UK's Robert Jenrick who wants to replace her in No 11. Also, the latest reaction as Scotland votes against assisted dying. With Faisal Islam.

30 min

53

What Does the Energy Price Shock Mean for Our Bills?

Israel and Iran attack some of the most important energy facilities in the world, sending oil prices surging again. Is this the escalation that could turn a crisis into a long term energy shock? What does it mean for consumers? And as concerns spread about the meningitis outbreak, Faisal Islam talks to former children's laureate Michael Rosen, who lost his teenage son to the disease.

30 min

54

Trump: War over 'soon'

President Trump says the war with Iran will be over 'soon', but offers no indication of when or what could lead to the end. As oil prices spike globally, how much longer can the global economy hold on? With Paddy O'Connell.

30 min

55

British bases to aid Iran attack

Tonight the UK agrees to let the US use British bases to strike Iranian sites responsible for closing the Strait of Hormuz. Does the UK risk being drawn into much deeper involvement in the Iran War? And a Reform UK MP says mass prayer events for religions such as Islam assert the domination of another culture over British Christian traditions. We'll ask a leading bishop if he agrees. With Nick Watt.

30 min

56

Has Trump backed down over Iran?

President Trump calls off strikes on Iran and says the countries are in peace talks and 'could end up in a deal'. Iran says US talks are fake news. Tonight - did Trump back down? Is this the end of the war? Plus, with oil and gas prices falling, has a global economic meltdown been averted? We hear from former US national security adviser John Bolton, and from Republican Congressman Michael Baumgartner. With Katie Razzall.

30 min

57

Will ALL the Epstein Files ever be released?

We're in Washington on the eve of our powerful interview with a group of Epstein survivors. We'll bring you a preview. Plus, an exclusive interview with Republican congressman Thomas Massie, who has led the drive for the release of all the Epstein files. Will the remaining files ever be released to the public? And we bring you the latest on the US-Iran war. With Victoria Derbyshire.

30 min

58

The Epstein survivors speak

Victoria Derbyshire talks to survivors of Jeffrey Epstein in a special Newsnight programme from Washington.

45 min

59

Iran: A historic shift?

As the missiles still fall, the US says the Iranians have also been sent a peace deal. Will they sign it? And how has the Iran conflict shifted the balance of power right around the world? At home, there's a fresh twist in the story about Morgan McSweeney's stolen phone. We ask a government minister how concerned the public should be. With Paddy O'Connell.

31 min

60

Starmer and the May Elections

Let battle commence! Today, Keir Starmer made the case for why he should remain prime minister, but campaigning ramps up this weekend for a huge set of elections which could decide his fate. Is there any way back? And actor Mark Gatiss on satire lacking bite, the future of the BBC and playing Peter Mandelson. With Matt Chorley.

30 min

61

New small boats deal?

The government negotiations around a new small boats deal with France are deadlocked with hours to go. And, we’ve covered the Nuclear Test Veterans story for years — but now there are growing concerns about the health of the next generations. One son and daughter got in touch to say the experiments have caused multiple health problems across their family. We hear their story. With Paddy O'Connell.

30 min

62

Trump to welcome King Charles

Buckingham Palace and the White House confirm that the King and Queen will travel to Washington for a state visit at the end of April. Broadcaster David Dimbleby says it should have been postponed, while the family of Virginia Guiffre have told Newsnight that they'd urge the monarch to meet with survivors of his brother's friend, Jeffrey Epstein. Also, the Jewish Board of Deputies tell Newsnight that Kanye West headlining at a UK festival is 'irresponsible'. With Adam Fleming.

30 min

63

Trump’s Iran 'update'

President Trump promises an 'important update on Iran' in an Oval Office speech. How far are we from a ceasefire? And, the prime minister announces action on the cost of living, but is it enough? With Adam Fleming.

31 min

64

02/04/2026

Insights and global interviews on the crucial news stories of the day. With Joe Pike.

30 min