Extremism Fears, Hamas Row, Starmer Pressure & Assisted Dying Vote
18 March 2026

Extremism Fears, Hamas Row, Starmer Pressure & Assisted Dying Vote

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins

About

Concerns about extremism, integration and social cohesion are back in focus as new polling suggests British Muslims are significantly more likely than the general public to hold favourable views of the Iranian regime, alongside more hostile attitudes towards the US and Israel. Dr Rakib Ehsan from the Policy Exchange joins to unpack what this means for community relations, foreign policy attitudes and national security in Britain as debate grows over antisemitism, radicalisation and recent court rulings linked to support for Hamas.


We also look at the political pressure building on Keir Starmer, with Angela Rayner warning Labour is running out of time. James Heale, Deputy Political Editor at The Spectator, discusses growing divisions within the party, immigration tensions and whether Starmer’s leadership is entering a critical phase.


And broadcaster Clare Muldoon reacts to Scotland’s decision to reject assisted dying legislation, examining what it means for the wider UK debate on end-of-life care, ethics and public opinion.

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