For decades, Saudi Arabia was ruled by ageing princes, until one young royal began changing the system from within.

This episode tells the story of Mohammed bin Salman, and how he rose rapidly to become Saudi Arabia’s most powerful figure.

• Saudi royal family is huge; succession once moved between brothers.
• Pressure grew to pass power to a younger generation.
• Mohammed bin Salman’s early life, connections, and growing ambition.
• His father becomes king; MBS controls money and army.
• MBS replaces Mohammed bin Nayef as Crown Prince, 2017.
• Ritz-Carlton purge targets princes, businessmen; power and assets seized.
• Vision 2030: modernise society, move economy beyond oil.
• Global investments and NEOM aim to change Saudi image.
• Opponents targeted; Khashoggi murder shocks the world.
• Women driving, cinemas reopen; activists jailed, Yemen war continues.

---

You might like:

🔓 Unlock bonus episodes, interactive transcripts, subtitles & vocabulary lists

✨ 5 Powerful Tips for Learning English with Podcasts (Faster & Effectively!) [YouTube]

📹 A look inside Leonardo English membership

📧 Join our FREE weekly newsletter

---

Keywords: Learn English, vocabulary, lessons, idioms, aprende inglés, idiomas, aprender inglês, apprendre l'anglais, imparare l’inglese, ingilizce öğren,英語を習う, تعلم الإنجليزية

Today, we have some news in English from our friends over at SEND7 - Simple English News Daily in 7 minutes.

World News in 7 minutes. Monday 9th February, 2026.

To listen to SEND7 every morning, search in your podcast app for Simple English News Daily, or go to www.send7.org

---

You might like:

🔓 Unlock bonus episodes, interactive transcripts, subtitles & vocabulary lists

✨ 5 Powerful Tips for Learning English with Podcasts (Faster & Effectively!) [YouTube]

📹 A look inside Leonardo English membership

📧 Join our FREE weekly newsletter

---

Keywords: Learn English, vocabulary, lessons, idioms, aprende inglés, idiomas, aprender inglês, apprendre l'anglais, imparare l’inglese, ingilizce öğren,英語を習う, تعلم الإنجليزية

British politics can feel confusing, with a king, a Prime Minister, and noisy debates in an old building.

This episode explains how the system works, from Parliament and voting to why two parties have ruled for so long.

• Magna Carta and early Parliament shaped British politics.
• Westminster: Parliament's home with Commons and Lords.
• Parliament: Commons of elected MPs, Lords of appointed members.
• Monarch's role: ceremonial, appoints PM, opens Parliament.
• Voting system: constituencies and First Past the Post.
• Two-party dominance challenged by rising Reform party.
• Forming governments, general elections, choosing the Prime Minister.
• MPs' duties, constituency work, and Prime Minister’s Questions.
• Leadership contests and votes of no confidence.
• Devolution: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland; West Lothian Question.

---

You might like:

🔓 Unlock bonus episodes, interactive transcripts, subtitles & vocabulary lists

✨ 5 Powerful Tips for Learning English with Podcasts (Faster & Effectively!) [YouTube]

📹 A look inside Leonardo English membership

📧 Join our FREE weekly newsletter

---

Keywords: Learn English, vocabulary, lessons, idioms, aprende inglés, idiomas, aprender inglês, apprendre l'anglais, imparare l’inglese, ingilizce öğren,英語を習う, تعلم الإنجليزية