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Jun 6, 2020 • 14min

Killer Mike

America hasn't witnessed civil unrest like this since the late 1960s.There have been protests and rioting in cities across the US, following the death of a black man, George Floyd, in police custody in Minneapolis. In Atlanta, at the height of the demonstrations, the rapper Killer Mike - the son of an Atlanta policeman - addressed protesters calling for calm and urging them to go home. His speech went viral around the world. On Profile this week, Mark Coles looks at his life and career. He talks to close friends, community activists and the rapper's manager, to find out what led to his impassioned, and at times tearful, plea for peace. Producer Smita Patel Research Vivien Jones Editor Kirsty Reid
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May 30, 2020 • 14min

Suella Braverman

Suella Braverman is a barrister, MP and Brexiteer. In February 2020 she was appointed to the role of Attorney General for England and Wales and Advocate General for Northern Ireland. This week she found herself in the headlines after sending a tweet in support of Dominic Cummings, a senior government adviser caught travelling across the country during lock down. Edward Stourton profiles the minister for Fareham and government's chief legal adviser. Producer: Sandra Kanthal, Vivien Jones Editor: Penny Murphy
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May 23, 2020 • 14min

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Mark Coles profiles Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who was the first African to be elected Director-General of the World Health Organisation. Three years on, he finds himself at the centre of a political storm. Some say he has been too soft on China - where the coronavirus began. Others accuse the WHO of being too slow to declare a global public health emergency and US President, Donald Trump, has threatened to withdraw funding. Now one of the most recognisable faces in the world due to the pandemic yet little is known about Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.Producer: Jim Frank Researcher: Vivien Jones Editor: Penny Murphy
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May 16, 2020 • 14min

Rosena Allin-Khan

The coronavirus crisis presents a difficult challenge for opposition MPs seeking to win national support without being accused of opportunistic point scoring. One shadow minister has managed to get the nation’s attention. Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, Shadow Minister for Mental Health, is both an MP and an A&E doctor. During lockdown she has been working shifts at her local hospital and her first-hand experience there led her to accuse the Health Secretary Matt Hancock of manipulating testing figures last week. Their exchange in the commons has been viewed over 5 million times on social media.Producer: Anna Meisel Researcher: Vivien Jones
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May 9, 2020 • 14min

Andrew Cuomo

Some on the left of his party think he’s too establishment and Washington thinks he’s a rebel out to do his own thing, but Andrew Cuomo has gained widespread support for his handling of the coronavirus crisis. Mark Coles looks at the life of the New York Governor, a son of one of America’s most respected politicians.Producer: Sandra Kanthal Researcher: May Cameron Editor: Ravin Sampat
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May 2, 2020 • 14min

Kim Yo-jong

Supreme Leader of North Korea had not been seen in public for a number of weeks, setting off a global frenzy regarding his whereabouts and health. Speculation was rife as to who would succeed him.The most likely candidate is his closest confidant. A young woman whose always by his side.Becky Milligan pieces together the mystery of Kim Yo-jong. Politician and sister of Kim Jong-un.Producer Smita Patel Researcher Darin Graham Editor Ravin Sampat
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Apr 25, 2020 • 14min

Matt Hancock

A look at the life of Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health & Social Care for England. He has been criticised for promises he's made about testing and supply of personal protective equipment for health workers. According to newspaper reports, unnamed Downing Street sources have been suggesting the targets are "arbitrary" and "irrational". Mark Coles talks to friends, family and his mentor - the former Chancellor George Osborne - to find out more about Matt Hancock. An expedtion to the North Pole, a game of cricket on the Arctic ice, a stint as a sports broadcaster - it's not what you might expect.Producer Smita Patel Editor Ravin Sampat Researcher Bethan Head
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Apr 18, 2020 • 14min

Dame Vera Lynn

Dame Vera Lynn's story is well known. She's regarded by many as one of Britain's national treasures. Dubbed 'the forces sweetheart' during the Second World War, her songs like 'We'll Meet Again' and 'There'll Always Be An England' became synonymous with hope and survival during dark times. It's rare for us to profile someone so iconic. But courtesy of a mention by the Queen in her recent address to the nation, at 103 years old Vera Lynn is trending again. She even has a number one single on the UK iTunes chart. Mark Coles talks to her family and close friends to find out what she makes of all the attention. And, perhaps more importantly, why - 80 years on - her best known song 'We'll Meet Again' is striking a chord during the coronavirus crisis.Producer Smita Patel Researcher Bethan Head
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Apr 11, 2020 • 14min

Dominic Raab

On Profile this week, we look at the man who has effectively become Britain’s acting Prime Minister.The 46-year-old Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, asked to deputise “where necessary” for Boris Johnson while he recovers from coronavirus.A staunch Brexiteer and a karate black belt, he’s perhaps not the best-known member of the Cabinet.So, who is he and – more importantly - is he up to the job?A former lawyer, Raab has experience in international justice – but his hard-line on Brexit as well as past comments about feminism, welfare and Britain’s work ethic have angered his critics.Mark Coles hears from political colleagues, Westminster journalists – even Dominic Raab’s boxing coach.Producer Smita Patel Editor Ravin Sampat Researcher Bethan Head
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Apr 4, 2020 • 14min

Dr Anthony Fauci

Anthony Fauci Is a doctor, immunologist and director of the USA’s National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases. He’s also a lead member of the White House coronavirus task force. Mark Coles talks to those who know him well. First broadcast on Saturday 4th April 2020.Producer: Ben Crighton Researcher: Bethan Head

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