Constance Kampfner

Constance Kampfner, Northern Correspondent for The Times, provides a firsthand account of the trial surrounding the infamous felling of the Sycamore Gap tree. She shares insights into the courtroom drama and the emotional community response. Listeners will learn about the chaotic investigation, the cultural significance of the beloved tree, and the courtroom antics of the defendants as they confront serious charges. Kampfner captures the tension and complexity of the case, revealing how a moment of vandalism ignited a public outcry.

Constance Kampfner, Northern Correspondent for The Times, and Matt Dathan, Home Affairs Editor at The Times, delve into the shocking Southport killings. They discuss Axel Rudakubana's trajectory from a troubled youth to a confessed killer at a Taylor Swift dance class. The conversation raises critical questions about the failures of the Prevent program and the need for reforms in counter-terrorism strategies. They also highlight the implications for Britain's approach to rising lone-actor terrorism and the urgent need for accountability in public safety.