Currently Podcast By BBC Radio 4 cover art

Currently

Currently

By: BBC Radio 4
Listen for free

About this listen

Reactive features from Radio 4, exploring what's really happening behind the headlines and unearthing untold stories, both at home and abroad.

(C) BBC 2025
Political Science Politics & Government World
Episodes
  • The Big Mortgage Time Bomb
    May 12 2025

    We hear how a dog groomer and influencer was invited onto a reputable podcast, only to find out it was a scam that took control of her social media accounts and accessed her personal information – putting her livelihood at risk.

    Many people thought that the pandemic would bring an end to smart office wear, as more people opted for casual clothes. However, as people return to the office, sales of smarter clothing are on the rise. Retailer Charles Tyrwhitt has achieved record sales and Savile Row tailors are also reporting improved business.

    We hear from a number of customers that have been turned away from restaurants due to their allergies. In the last decade, regulations have changed meaning that pre-packaged food must have all ingredients labelled and restaurants should provide written information about potential allergens in dishes. Restaurants say that they are turning people away to keep diners safe from potential cross-contamination, but is it fair?

    Over the last few months, many people have had an email claiming to offer a free gift hamper from Marks and Spencer. However, despite looking like it comes from the retailer, the email has nothing to do with them and when customers pay for the postage they are in fact signed up to a subscription. We hear about how to spot these scams and what you can do if you’ve fallen foul of one.

    More than one in ten adults in the UK either owns, or has owned, crypto currency, according to the Financial Conduct Authority. As a result, the government has revealed plans to regulate the industry in the same way as traditional financial markets. Will it encourage more people to invest in cryptocurrency and is it welcomed by those in the industry?

    Show more Show less
    28 mins
  • The Landscape Revolution
    May 4 2025

    After Brexit, we left the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy, the CAP. For many people - whatever they made of Brexit - this was a golden opportunity to come up with something better. A NEW farming policy, which would encourage efficient food production while rewarding farmers for environmental work.

    Nearly a decade later, where have we got to?

    This is a programme about agricultural policy, so if you're not a farmer you may not think it's for you. But farm policy is also environmental policy and food policy...so the seismic shift that farmers are going though right now will have an impact not just on their lives and businesses, but on the landscapes we see, the food on our plate and price we pay for both.

    Presented by Charlotte Smith Produced by Heather Simons

    Show more Show less
    29 mins
  • Russia's New War Elite
    Apr 27 2025

    Russians who sign up to fight in Ukraine earn big money in salaries and bonuses – and the Kremlin is even more generous to families of those killed in battle. Average compensation packages for a dead son or husband are worth about £97,000. In less-wealthy Russian provinces, where most recruits are from, that’s enough to turn your life around. Reporter Arsenii Sokolov finds out how the relatives of the tens of thousands of men Russia has lost in the war are spending the money – and asks whether the pay-outs will help create a new “patriotic” middle class that supports Vladimir Putin.

    Besides the cash, there are many privileges offered to soldiers and their families, and to bereaved relatives of the fallen. Their children can go to university whatever their grades. And the Kremlin has started a programme called “Time of Heroes” that claims it will fast-track selected returning servicemen into elite positions in local politics and business. But can Putin’s attempt at social engineering really work? And will “deathonomics” – as one economist calls it – really boost the economy of the provinces that have suffered most from the huge death toll?

    Presenter: Arsenii Sokolov Producer: Tim Whewell Sound engineer: Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman Editor: Penny Murphy

    Show more Show less
    29 mins
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_T1_webcro805_stickypopup
No reviews yet