This October 7 marks one year from devastating terror attacks on Israel that set in motion a series of events plunging the Middle East into crisis.

Hamas gunmen launched surprise cross-border raids from Gaza during the Jewish new year holiday of Rosh Hashanah, leaving with more than 1,200 Israelis killed and at least 250 hostages taken.

Hostilities mushroomed to claim over 40,000 Palestinian lives, with Hezbollah in Lebanon and then Iran pushing into the conflict.

In Britain, the 7 October attacks, were followed by a huge increase in antisemitism and anti-Muslim abuse.

As vigils mark this sombre day, The Standard podcast hear reflections from Marie van der Zyl, World Jewish Congress commissioner for gender inclusion and equality, and former president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

In part two, The Standard’s deputy political editor Jitendra Joshi discusses the weekend departure of Sue Gray, Sir Keir Starmer’s controversial chief of staff, and her successor at No.10, Labour’s election guru Morgan McSweeney.

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Why fly when you can take the train? In this episode Sustainable travel expert Juliet Kinsman and journalist Jon Weeks explore the best places to travel to by train and why, including Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden & Scotland. Find out when trains truly are the best option for your trip, and why the pros of travelling along the tracks often outweigh the cons of flying.

Tine Murn the former director of the Slovenian tourism board explains his romantic view of train travel, and creating his own office among views of the alps in a comfortable carriage and incredible.

Plus, executive producer of Green Traveller productions Richard Hammond explains the 'rail renaissance' underway in Europe, and explains how rail and coach travel is better for the planet and your pocket.

Plus, find out what else we're exploring as part of our Sustainable Travel campaign here.

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Rising tensions in the Middle East are adding new global economic uncertainties.

The pound, while recovering slightly on Friday, remained set for its worst week in more than a year - as oil heads for the biggest weekly price increase since 2023.

It came as Israel intensified strikes on Lebanon following Iran’s missile barrage and ongoing Hezbollah rocket attacks.

The Standard podcast is joined by Dr James Meadway, economist at the Progressive Economy Forum, to examine the financial forecast.

In part two, hear some of the soundscapes visitors to a high-tech immersive art installation at Lumen Studios close to Tower Bridge can experience.

Spanning over 1,000 square metres, the ticketed Eclipse show by French-Japanese visual art duo Nonotak explore the boundary between art and technology as visitors step into a show filled with darkness, light beams and sound.

Jen Roebuck, chief executive of Bermondsey’s Lumen Studios, discusses the installation and our growing appetite for IRL immersive art.

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