The US and Australia are among countries that have now vowed to get their citizens off a cruise ship moored off Japan, with coronavirus on-board. So far, the UK government’s not committed to the same action, but the Evening Standard’s deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil tells ‘The Leader’ British diplomats are scrambling to help the 80 British nationals on the Diamond Princess. Meanwhile, another 99 cases of the illness have been diagnosed on the ship, bringing the total number to more than 450.

Assessing the Damage of Storm Dennis

Also, Jonathan Prynn looks at the damage caused by Storm Dennis. London seems to have escaped the worst of it, although hundreds of commuter train services were cancelled or delayed as rail workers battled to repair the lines. More than 600 flood alerts remain in place across the UK, and storm season’s far from over.

Superman flies in at Museum of Childhood

And, the V and A’s Museum of Childhood, one of London’s favourite atractions, is about to get a £13 million pound refit. It does mean it will be shut for two years, but the reward at the end will be 2,000 objects going on show, including an original Superman outfit worn by Christopher Reeve. Arts correspondent Robert Dex has had a sneak preview, and speaks to the podcast about what’s happening and why. 

Subscribe, rate and review The Leader on Apple Podcasts, Acast, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.