The Story

Samer Al-Atrush, a Middle East correspondent for The Times with extensive experience in regional conflicts, shares insights on the recent ceasefire in Gaza. He explores the jubilation surrounding the deal between Israel and Hamas while questioning its longevity. Samer delves into the complexities of the hostage exchange, the fragility of peace in the region, and the potential hurdles that could derail the ceasefire. He also discusses the broader implications for future peace talks amidst ongoing humanitarian concerns.

David Woode, Crime Correspondent for The Times, offers an in-depth analysis of knife crime trends in the UK. He presents startling findings from a decade of data revealing the alarming rise in incidents, particularly affecting black communities. Sir Mark Rowley, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, shares insights on policing challenges and community responses in South London. They discuss the socio-economic roots of violence, the impact of social media, and urgent needs for legislative action and community awareness to combat this crisis.

Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall Editor at The Sunday Times and investigative journalist, delves into the shocking resignation of Tulip Siddiq, Labour's anti-corruption minister. He reveals the scandal surrounding properties linked to a deposed Bangladeshi leader, leading to millions siphoned off. Pogrund explores the intricate political dynamics of Bangladesh, the legacy of power struggles, and the implications of Siddiq's ties to controversial figures. The discussion raises critical questions about political integrity and corruption in governance.

Megan Agnew, a senior features writer for The Times, shares her insights on the devastating wildfires ravaging Los Angeles. She discusses the political blame game ignited by Donald Trump's accusations toward Governor Gavin Newsom, focusing on issues like emergency responses and resource shortages. The episode highlights personal stories of residents facing evacuation and the emotional toll of the infernos. Agnew emphasizes the community's resilience amid political tensions, illuminating the critical need for better disaster preparedness.

Joining the discussion, Andrew Billen, a Features writer for The Times, shares insights from his interviews with Justin Baldoni. The conversation delves into the heated legal battle between Blake Lively and Baldoni, revolving around allegations tied to their film, 'It Ends With Us.' They explore themes of public perception, celebrity culture, and the complexities of masculinity, particularly Baldoni’s personal reflections on gender roles and toxic masculinity. The dialogue raises questions about authenticity in celebrity actions and its implications for societal norms.

In this gripping discussion, Jonathan Calvert and George Arbuthnott from The Sunday Times delve into the dark world of SAS misconduct in Afghanistan. They reveal shocking insights from over 6,000 secret documents, highlighting the chilling actions of a rogue SAS unit involved in civilian murders. The investigation faced relentless obstruction, with vital evidence disappearing and whistleblowers stymied. The guests emphasize the urgent need for military accountability and the frustrating quest for justice by victims' families amid a culture of cover-ups.

Join Jonathan Calvert and George Arbuthnott, investigative editors at The Sunday Times, as they unravel a chilling saga of alleged war crimes by the SAS in Afghanistan. They delve into the haunting revelations from a whistleblower who risked everything to expose the truth. The conversation covers the troubling night raids that led to civilian casualties and explores the internal conflicts and ethical dilemmas within military leadership. With a focus on accountability, this thought-provoking discussion unveils a web of potential cover-ups and urgent calls for inquiry.

Josh Glancy, News Review Editor for The Sunday Times and former Washington correspondent, dives into Donald Trump's controversial ambitions of acquiring Greenland, the Panama Canal, and Canada. They discuss the geopolitical significance of Greenland amid rising tensions and local reactions to American interests. The conversation also touches on humorous notions like Canada potentially becoming the 51st state, while examining the implications of the so-called 'Donro Doctrine' and its resonance with U.S. dominance in foreign policy.

Andrew Norfolk, the former Chief Investigations Reporter at The Times, dives deep into his groundbreaking work exposing Britain's grooming gangs. He shares the emotional turmoil and systemic failures he encountered while uncovering this shocking scandal. Norfolk discusses the impact of a major inquiry report, the complex cultural issues surrounding these abuses, and the backlash faced by those who speak out. His reflections on the repercussions of his reporting reveal both pride in raising awareness and frustration with ongoing misconceptions.

Aubrey Allegretti, Chief Political Correspondent for The Times, shares insights into Elon Musk's surprising sway over UK politics. He discusses Musk's pointed critiques of figures like Keir Starmer and Jess Phillips, particularly amid the grooming scandal. The conversation uncovers how Musk’s tweets ignite debates on serious social issues, shifting focus from essential domestic matters. Allegretti also analyzes the backlash Musk faces in Europe, highlighting the complexities of modern political discourse shaped by social media.