Tom Symonds

Vivian Schiller, a former head of news at Twitter, joins Alison Holt, the BBC’s social affairs editor, and Tom Symonds, a BBC political correspondent, to discuss Meta's controversial decision to end independent fact-checking on its platforms. They debate the implications of replacing fact-checkers with community notes and the challenge of balancing free speech with misinformation. The conversation also delves into lessons learned from past inquiries into child sexual abuse, emphasizing the importance of urgent action and awareness to protect vulnerable individuals.

Sally Nugent, a BBC Breakfast presenter who reported on the Liverpool incident, joins BBC News correspondent Tom Symonds to discuss a shocking car crash that injured numerous fans during a title celebration. They delve into the details of the police investigation and the arrest of a suspect linked to attempted murder. The conversation also highlights community reactions, the proactive police communication strategy, and the emotional aftermath as Liverpool comes together to support those affected.

Tom Symonds, a seasoned BBC political correspondent specializing in home affairs, delves into the heated debate surrounding a national inquiry into grooming gangs. He discusses the political dynamics of the House of Commons vote and the urgent calls from victims for accountability. The podcast also explores proposed child protection policies, including a new register for out-of-school youth and the impact of educational reforms on children's welfare. Lastly, the implications of unique identifiers for vulnerable children are examined, highlighting the challenges of implementation.

Tom Symonds, a BBC News correspondent with extensive experience in immigration, joins Richard Tice, Deputy Leader of Reform UK, and Alice Donald, a Human Rights Law expert. They delve into Reform UK's controversial five-year deportation plan, raising the possibility of sending back 600,000 migrants. The group discusses the legal hurdles such proposals might face, the political backlash they could provoke, and the broader implications on human rights and asylum policies. The conversation reveals the intricate dynamics at play in the current immigration landscape.

Prince Harry's recent phone hacking victory against Mirror Group Newspapers is analyzed, discussing the implications for the Royal Family and the press in the UK. The chapter also explores the emergence of phone hacking lawsuits and settlements as a lucrative industry for lawyers, along with ongoing investigations and civil cases involving Prince Harry. His mission to reform tabloids and ongoing clashes with the media are also discussed. The chapter concludes with a mention of a television series covering events of the 1950s and 1960s and a call to action for listeners to engage with the podcast.