Podcasts about public prosecutions

In the wake of the Metropolitan Police's announcement that it's Special Enquiry Team has expanded its criminal investigation into donations made to Reform UK by Fiona Cottrell, the mother of “Posh” George, to include suspected breaches of foreign funding laws based on the Verbatim/C4 undercover sting operation, Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC focus on the rise and fall of Dr James Orr, the former Reform UK Head of Policy - or “contractor” as he was contemptuously described by Nigel Farage soon after Orr was indefinitely suspended from the Party.  Just how clever is the Associate Professor of Philosophy of Religion in the Cambridge Faculty of Divinity and the man known as “Farage's Brain”?  And is he as weird as High Anglican Tory AN Wilson has claimed? Ken and Tim then discuss the potential for the £72m donations to Reform UK made by Thailand based Christopher Harborne and crypto currency businessman Ben Delo to be reversed when the retrospective provisions of the Representation of the People Bill 2026 come into force.  Can we anticipate the delicious prospect of Reform relying on the European Convention on Human Rights to argue that UK law is incompatible with the right to peaceful enjoyment of property? The duo turn next to debate the defeat of the second attempt to legislate for some form of Assisted Dying legislation in the UK and reflect on the shameful, anti-democratic, filibustering tactics deployed by 7 Peers which meant that the June 2025 House of Commons' vote in favour of the Leadbeater Bill was frustrated. They go on to express astonishment and concern at the apparently never ending Undercover Policing Inquiry which is due to lose its second Inquiry Chair, Sir John Mitting, next year some 12 years after it began. After costing £137m, is it time to pull the plug? And finally Ken and Tim reflect on the new legal risk guidance issued by Attorney General Ellie Reeves KC which reverses the previous guidance issued by Lord Hermer KC (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-attorney-generals-guidance-on-legal-risk--2). Does it undermine the rule of law and what political signal does it send? -- Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.  What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.  Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.  Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003 2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law. ​ Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape. ​ ​ If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today i Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the Verbatim Investigations/C4 film which shows senior (now ex) Reform UK officials apparently engaged in procuring illegal foreign donations to the Party a “hoax”, as Nigel Farage and Robert Jenrick have claimed, or a brilliant example of investigative journalism in the public interest (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXut3s90rUI)? And did the undercover operation breach journalistic ethics by crossing the line into “entrapment”, or did the evidence captured on film simply reveal the willingness of Reform's former Head of Policy, James Orr, and senior aide to Farage, Dan Jukes, to operate an “off the books” illegal donation scheme? What specific criminal offences under UK law are apparent from the broadcast footage and what defences might be run in he event of criminal charges? And is major Reform UK donor Aaron Banks right to say that the public “don't give a rat's arse” about the behaviour of Orr, Jukes and Farage as revealed by Verbatim's investigation? To debate the fascinating issues generated by the C4/Verbatim sting operation on Double Jeopardy, Tim Owen KC is joined by electoral and media law expert Gavin Millar KC who acted as legal advisor to Verbatim during the year-long undercover operation. In his first public interview since the documentary was published, Gavin explains the ethical principles which guide this kind of investigation, the criminal offences set out in the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 and the difference between the role of a journalist as opposed to that of the police when investigating potential wrongdoing by politicians. The duo discuss the weaknesses in current electoral law and the limited powers of the Electoral Commission to tackle dodgy financial dealings by political parties. -- Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.  What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.  Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.  Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003 2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law. ​ Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape. ​ If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today i Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The failure of successive Conservative governments to build sufficient prison capacity to accommodate the growing prison population handed Labour a criminal justice crisis which demanded urgent action. In enacting the Sentencing Act in January 2026, Parliament approved the "earned progression" model recommended by the Gauke Sentencing Review which held out some hope of long term relief from the perma-crisis afflicting our penal system. But in the face of sustained media pressure concerning the release of the killers of PC Harper, Andy Burnham's first major policy decision as PM has been to water down the release scheme in a way guaranteed to sustain the very crisis which the 2026 Act was crafted to resolve (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sentencing-act-offence-exclusions). For expert legal commentary on the depressing statement delivered to Parliament on 1st September by Labour's third Lord Chancellor in 2 years and its implications for UK law and current political events, Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC are joined on Double Jeopardy by the Institute for Government's Associate Director, Cassia Rowland. Why did former Justice Secretary, David Lammy, not prepare the public for the coming into force of the Sentencing Act's release provisions with the result that the summer media frenzy over the release of PC Harper's killers caused Burnham to abandon key features of the early release scheme? What hope is there for achieving a long term reduction in our use of imprisonment if politicians simply collapse in the face of media stories linked to high-profile legal cases? Ken and Tim also discuss the $17 billion settlement agreed on 26th August between Meta and US States in the federal child safety lawsuit alleging that Meta designed its apps (Facebook and Instagram) to be addictive to children and knew about the risks those platforms posed but hid that information from the public. Finally they discuss the alarming implications of the US government's decision to designate Palestine Action as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organisation in terms of its impact on freedom of expression and on any persons convicted in the future of a Terrorism Act offence related to supporting PA. --   Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.  What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.  Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.  Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003 2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law. ​ Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape. ​ ​ If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today i Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With co-hosts Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC travelling in widely separated time zones, it's proved impossible to record the weekly episode as normal. But rather than skip an episode altogether we thought that with Parliament due to return next week and with the new Lord Chancellor Alex Norris due to announce major changes to the early release provisions of the Sentencing Act 2026 as a result of public fury at the prospect of the killers of PC Harper benefiting from the scheme, our audience would appreciate a chance to listen (or re-listen) to the 4th June 2025 episode when our guest was David Gauke, the former Conservative Justice Secretary 2018/19. It was the report produced in May 2025 by Gauke's Independent Review of Sentencing which formed the basis for the (now much reviled) early release provisions of the Sentencing Act - provisions which mark a fundamental change in sentencing policy and which were enacted by Parliament in order to address the deep crisis of prison capacity resulting from the deadly combination of a total failure by consecutive Conservative governments to build sufficient new prison places over the fifteen years they were in power and an ever expanding prison population. In our discussion with David, he explained how his recommendations for what were, in reality, very limited changes to our overly complex, messy and confusing sentencing systems were intended to reduce our use of short custodial sentences, ease the pressure on our overcrowded, collapsing prison system while boosting investment in community penalties and a reinvigorated probation service. With the prospect now of Andy Burnham flinching at the first sign of populist revulsion at the idea of prisoners convicted of violence being granted early release after serving only a third or half of their sentences, our discussion with David Gauke provides helpful context for the next round of political debate around the apparently never ending crisis that afflicts our penal system. It is a salutary reminder of the political challenges that face any government seeking to wean a nation away from a relentless belief that locking people up for years in conditions which make rehabilitation impossible is a sensible use of public money. -- Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With. in-depth discussions and. influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.    ​ What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.   ​ Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.  Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003 2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law. Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andy Burnham's decision to pause the emergency early release scheme in order to ensure that the killers of PC Andrew Harper do not benefit from it, is an act of political desperation given the data showing that the UK prison system is at bursting point and can't cope with the rising prison population without a significant, rapid reduction in those currently imprisoned (https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/prison-early-release-scheme). It also demonstrates a grave lack of political judgment by former Justice Secretary David Lammy in failing to anticipate the inevitable public outcry that the scheme would trigger given the range of offenders whose automatic release dates would be significantly advanced at a time when the necessary public protection measures were woefully inadequate. To understand the implications for UK law and politics and the rule of law of this latest illustration of the disastrous state of our criminal justice and prison system, Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC debate the exquisite dilemma which confronts Burnham and his new, inexperienced Lord Chancellor Alex Norris, and pose some basic questions to those urging the abandonment of the early release scheme save in relation to those serving sentences for minor crimes. Given the disastrous record of successive Conservative governments in starving the UK criminal justice system of resources, doing nothing to reduce sentence lengths while failing to build more prison capacity, what was the Labour government expected to do as the prison system became overwhelmed? And what are the prospects of any government communicating a consistent, effective message on the need to reduce our use of imprisonment when Justice Secretaries and Prisons and Probation Ministers rarely last more than a year in office? Ken and Tim then turn to answer some listeners' questions on a range of issues including Andy Burnham's call for a codified written UK constitution; whether sentencing guidelines should be amended to reflect the time that will actually be served in custody; and the implications for UK law and politics of France becoming the latest European country to legalise assisted dying. -- Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.    ​ What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.   ​ Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.  Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003 2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law. ​ Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape. ​ ​ If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Law Commission for England and Wales is currently consulting on reform of the antiquated common law of homicide (murder and manslaughter) with a view to addressing long-standing criticisms that the current legal system is outdated, overly complex and fails accurately and fairly to distinguish between varying degrees of culpability (https://lawcom.gov.uk/project/law-of-homicide/). On Double Jeopardy, Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC provide expert legal commentary on the implications for UK law and politics of fundamental change to homicide law and sentencing in discussion with the Law Commissioner for Criminal Law, Professor Penney Lewis. How many people realise that a person can be convicted of the substantive offence of murder on the basis of an intent merely to cause serious injury whereas the offence of attempted murder requires proof of a specific intention to kill? Will the Law Commission's proposal to replace the current two-tier system with a structured three-tier hierarchy of general homicide offences (first degree murder, second degree murder and manslaughter) make it easier for the public to understand why the mandatory life sentence is reserved for the most serious homicide offences? Should a jury continue to define for itself what degree of carelessness amounts to the serious crime of gross negligence manslaughter? And should the understandable grief and rage of the relatives of victims of homicide influence the difficult charging decisions that the Crown Prosecution Service must make in those cases where mental illness obviously explains the homicidal motive? Ken and Tim are then joined by former Court of Appeal Judge and President of the Kalisher Trust, Dame Anne Rafferty, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Kalisher Trust which has, for the last three decades promoted social mobility, diversity and excellence at the Criminal Bar (https://www.thekalishertrust.org/).   --   Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.    ​ What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom o expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.   ​ Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.    ​ Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003 2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law. ​ Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape. ​ If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today i Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says she has never attempted to stop investigations or prosecutions involving Truth and Reconciliation Commission cases. Testifying before the TRC Cases Inquiry, Kubayi stressed the National Prosecuting Authority's independence, saying prosecutorial decisions remain the sole discretion of the NPA's National Director of Public Prosecutions. She says her role as Justice Minister is limited to oversight and accountability, including reporting to Parliament. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Cases Inquiry, is probing alleged efforts to stall the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era perpetrators. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi had this to say while giving her testimony before the commision

In this edition of the NdB Sunday Show, Chris Steyn and Jonathan Deal, the founder of Safe Citizen, talk about the fall of Investigations Directorate Against Organised Crime (IDAC) Chief Andrea Johnson - whom Economic Freedom (EFF) Fighter CIC Julius Malema likened to the late Winnie Mandela - and who was tipped to be a future National Director of Public Prosecutions; as well as the fall of three other tipped for the highest law enforcement and political control positions in South Africa: former Police Minister Senzo Mchunu as a possible future African National Congress (ANC) President; suspended General Shadrack Sibiya as possibly the next National Police Commissioner, and suspended General Feroz Khan with his eye on the top job at Crime Intelligence (CI). Deal hails the Madlanga Commissioners who ask questions “in a way that actually leads deceitful people into their own traps”. Meanwhile, Deal warns that township economies have been hard hit by the flight of foreigners at a time when the hungriest section of the population is awash with illegal guns. “...we are sitting with an enormous number of unemployed young men with no money, no job, and literally no hope for the future. And it could still take just one spark to see the equivalent of an Arab Spring in this country.” He describes just how vulnerable South Africans have become while the “police itself, on a national and often a provincial level, is powerless and directionless”.

The Burnham purge of the Cabinet has resulted in radical personnel changes in the Ministry of Justice and among the Law Officers, with the departures of David Lammy, Lord Hermer KC, Baroness Levitt KC and Lord Timpson. Their replacements are all less experienced legally and politically, less well known and consequently lacking in political weight. To discuss the implications of these developments for UK law and politics, the rule of law, sentencing and prisons policy, Double Jeopardy hosts Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC are joined by regular guest Danny Shaw, a former BBC journalist and expert on criminal justice, policing, security and immigration. Who is the new Lord Chancellor, Nottingham MP Alex Norris, and what message does his appointment send to lawyers, the judiciary and the public, when a person with no previous Cabinet experience or legal qualification was the last Cabinet appointment to be announced by Andy Burnham? Was he appointed because more senior people with Cabinet experience turned down the chance to be Lord Chancellor? If so, what does that say about the long-term demise of a once great Office of State, when the Lord Chancellor is the least experienced member of the Cabinet? What does the unexpected resignation of Lord Timpson say about the prospects for penal reform in the UK? He is replaced by the 15th Prisons Minister since 2010, Catherine McKinnell MP, someone with no relevant knowledge or experience in this uniquely difficult area of prisons and sentencing policy.   The trio also discuss Andy Burnham's decision, three days after taking office, to pause the statutory early release scheme due to come into force on 2 September. The decision followed a media onslaught focusing on the grief and rage of PC Harper's widow at the prospect of her husband's killers being released halfway through their determinate sentences instead of at the two-thirds point. Is this an example of Burnham's wish to be popular rather than make tough decisions?   --   Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.  What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and politica system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.   ​ Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.    ​ Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003 2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law.  ​​ Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape. ​ If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today i Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Cyril Ramaphosa has accepted Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) Head Advocate Andrea Johnson's request to vacate office. Johnson sought an immediate release from office in a letter to the President and National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andy Mothibi, citing unprecedented attacks on her personally and in her official capacity. She is under scrutiny following her testimony before the Madlanga Commission, where contradictions, concessions and withdrawals emerged over IDAC's handling of the fraud and corruption case involving Crime Intelligence Head Dumisani Khumalo, Brigadier Dineo Mokwele and others. Despite her resignation, Johnson remains under subpoena and can only be released by Commission Chairperson, Retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President,

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Nkabinde Inquiry has found South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andrew Chauke fit to hold office. The panel found no credible evidence that Advocate Chauke made improper prosecutorial decisions in the Cato Manor matter or acted unlawfully in his coordination duties. It also ruled his decision to provisionally withdraw charges against former Crime Intelligence head General Richard Mdluli was not irrational. We spoke to Machini Motloung, President of the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA).

In this episode of Double Jeopardy, the 12th June decision of the Trump administration to issue an export control directive forcing AI giant Anthropic to suspend access to its new AI tool Fable 5 "by any foreign national including one in the USA" on the basis of national security concerns triggered a huge current affairs debate in the EU about AI sovereignty, with former French PM Attal likening the shutdown to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. To offer expert legal commentary on the implications of Trump's approach to AI and cyber-security for UK law and UK politics as well as the broader EU landscape, Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC are once again joined by their Matrix chambers colleague, AI expert and media/data law barrister Zoe McCallum. The trio also discuss the breakneck speed of developments in AI in terms of its impact on the legal system and the delivery of justice in the UK. They examine the significant recent contributions to this debate by Supreme Court Justice Lord Briggs (https://supremecourt.uk/speeches/speech-lord-briggs-200526) and Dame Victoria Sharp, whose speech addresses judicial independence past, present, and future (https://www.judiciary.uk/speech-by-the-president-of-the-kings-bench-division-without-fear-or-favour-judicial-independence-past-present-and-future/).   Ken and Tim then shift to discuss the extraordinary Judgment handed down by the Court of Appeal on 17th July, presided over by Lady Chief Justice Carr, which contains an unprecedented criticism of the (now former) Attorney General Lord Hermer KC in relation to his public comments following his decision to refer the sentences of the 3 children convicted of rape in Fordingbridge under the Unduly Lenient Scheme (https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Approved-Follow-On-Judgment-R-v-X-Y-Z-2026-EWCA-Crim-913.pdf). This episode was recorded before Andy Burnham announced the appointment of the new Justice Secretary and Attorney General - Ken and Tim will give their views on Alex Norris and Ellie Reeves KC in next week's episode. --   Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.    ​ What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.   ​ Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.    ​ ​ Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003 2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law. ​ ​ Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape. ​ ​ If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today i Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reaction to the damning judgment handed down by Mr Justice Nicklin on 7th July (https://www.judiciary.uk/judgments/lawrence-and-others-v associated-newspapers-limited/) dismissing the privacy and unlawful information gathering claims brought by Prince Harry and six other well known individuals against the Daily Mail publishers has been sharply divided. In an extraordinary, potentially reckless statement, given that Nicklin is due to decide the issues of costs later this month, Prince Harry condemned it as "a complete and obvious whitewash", questioning the objectivity and fairness of the Judge while Associated Newspapers welcomed the judgment as "a magnificent vindication" of the freedom of the press and its journalists. For expert legal commentary on why the claimants lost, Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC are joined once again by the leading media barrister Gavin Millar KC, who regularly acts for the media in high profile legal cases. Why did the Judge reject each and every claim despite the Daily Mail admitting it had regularly recruited third party investigators with previous form for phone hacking, "blagging" and other unlawful conduct to assist its journalists in their stories? How could the claimants' legal team have got things so badly wrong? Is the Judge's approach to "propensity" evidence and the strict demand for article-by-article proof, appealable? Ken and Tim then answer some listeners' questions about last week's episode with Dame Vera Baird KC and the current state of the CCRC, a recurring theme in our legal commentary on the criminal justice crisis, before ending with a tribute to the great former Lord Chancellor, Lord Mackay of Clashfern who died on 7th July 2026 at the age of 99. --   Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.    ​ What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.   ​ ​ Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.    ​ Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003 2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule o law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law. ​ ​ Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape. ​ If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) is a vital cog in the UK legal system but both before and after the catalogue of failures in handling of the Andrew Malkinson case were laid out in great detail in Chris Henley KC's 2024 Report (https://cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk/uploads/sites/5/2024/10 henleyreport.pdf) it was widely regarded as an institution in permanent crisis, badly managed and apparently incapable of fulfilling the goals which lead to its creation via the Criminal Appeal Act 1995 in the wake of a series o high profile legal cases and miscarriages of justice. In this week's episode Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC are joined by the Chair of the CCRC, Dame Vera Baird KC, for expert legal commentary and  ask why she took on the job in 2025 following the resignation of the much criticised former Chair, Helen Pitcher, and whether she is optimistic that she can turn the organisation around despite the numerous structural flaws identified in the recently published Report by His Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (https://hmcpsi.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/report/criminal-cases-review commission-casework/). Does the baleful legacy of remote working contracts – which means that almost all the CCRC's staff work from home rather than in its Birmingham office – represent a fundamental obstacle to reforming the dysfunctional work environment exposed by the HMCPSI Report? Does the CCRC have enough people with criminal law experience working on its caseload? And are the CCRC Commissioners – intended at the outset to provide real expertise and detailed oversight of casework – too detached and insufficiently involved in day-to-day work to maintain effective scrutiny of case workers? Does the “real possibility” statutory test - which requires the CCRC to predict whether it thinks the Court of Appeal will overturn a conviction – force the CCRC to be overly deferential to the judiciary, raising real questions about correcting miscarriages of justice and effectively turning it into a gatekeeper rather than a bold investigative advocate for justice? Can Dame Vera be confident that there will never be another disaster such as the Malkinson case under a reformed CCRC? --   Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.    ​ What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds powerin Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays. Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.    ​ Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003 2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law. ​ ​ Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape.  ​ If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the tenth anniversary of the Brexit referendum upon us, Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC begin the episode with a reminder of actor Danny Dyer's memorable thoughts on “this whole Brexit thing” and his unflattering assessment of David Cameron's role in enabling our departure from the EU, before they reflect on what the impact of Brexit has been on the UK legal system. Ken and Tim then discuss how the interregnum between Keir Starmer's resignation and the imminent arrival of Andy Burnham as Prime Minister has brought uncertainty in relation to who Burnham will appoint as the new Justice Secretary and Attorney General on the basis that neither David Lammy nor Richard Hermer seem likely to remain in their current jobs. What, if any, impact will a Burnham premiership have on the future of Labour's jury trial reforms in the Courts and Tribunals Bill given Burnham's publicly expressed concern that the government “should proceed with huge caution and do not take away something that's a lynchpin of a fair society.”   The duo comment on the arguments advanced by Palestine Action in support of their unsuccessful application to the Court of Appeal for permission to appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision to uphold the Home Secretary's proscription decision and anticipate the likely response from the Supreme Court itself.   Finally, they discuss the merits of the Law Commission's consultation paper on reforming the law of homicide (https://lawcom.gov.uk/news/law-commission-proposes-major-overhaul-of-homicide-offences/) and look forward to next week's episode where their guest will be the Interim Chair of the Criminal Cases Review Commission, Dame Vera Baird KC. Listeners interested in some homework in advance of the discussion with Dame Vera might wish to listen to the February 2025 episode of Double Jeopardy with guest Chris Henley KC where they discuss the shocking failures by the CCRC in relation to the Andrew Malkinson case - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0jrqjoXcIduyM1weZpFyP2?si=jBMeN3uzQruBF7rVhW4m9Q   --   Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.    ​ What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.   ​ Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.  Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003 2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law. ​ ​ Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape. ​ ​ If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Calls for former Prince Andrew—now Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor—to face a formal inquiry and cooperate with ongoing investigations have intensified across the UK amid fresh revelations tied to his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Recently released documents from the U.S. Department of Justice have shown extensive correspondence between Andrew and Epstein from when Andrew served as the UK's trade envoy, prompting critics to argue that these communications raise serious questions about potential misconduct, including sharing sensitive information while in public office. The Director of Public Prosecutions stressed that “nobody is above the law,” and Thames Valley Police, along with other forces, is now assessing allegations of misconduct in public office, adding to demands from figures such as former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and ex-Business Secretary Vince Cable for a full police probe and parliamentary scrutiny of how Andrew's actions were handled. Anti-monarchy campaign groups have also staged protests calling for an inquiry that would extend to what senior royals knew about his links with Epstein.Alongside these UK pressures, there are domestic demands from MPs and public commentators that Andrew should be compelled to answer questions about his knowledge of Epstein's network and associated abuses, with calls for him to appear before both British authorities and, in some cases, US lawmakers. The combination of leaked files, growing media scrutiny, and vocal pressure from politicians and advocacy groups has kept the controversy in the spotlight, fuelling debate about accountability, transparency, and the role of UK institutions—including the monarchy—in addressing allegations linked to one of the most enduring scandals involving a member of the royal family.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Police under renewed pressure to investigate Andrew over Epstein ties after intervention from former minister | The IndependentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

It's Friday, June 26th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus 250,000 British girls sexually assaulted by Pakistani Muslims Last week, a group called Restore Britain released a summary report of an inquiry into the widespread and systematic sexual exploitation of vulnerable working-class women and children across the nation, reports Breakpoint. At least 250,000 girls were sexually assaulted, trafficked, tortured, and even killed, mostly by gangs of Pakistani Muslims. The details in the report are so horrifying, it's difficult to believe they are true.   Evidence of the abuse and reports by victims were downplayed and ignored.  To his shame, when atheist British Prime Minister Kier Starmer, who resigned Monday, was Director of Public Prosecutions and the head of the Crown Prosecution Service, he shockingly dismissed 13,000 cases of suspected child sexual offenders with a warning letter rather than attempt to prosecute. British citizens who spoke out about the abuse or expressed criticism of mass migration were often prosecuted, especially if the criticisms were directed at Pakistani or Muslim communities.  The gangs that have been operating in Britain have deep ideological and cultural roots shaped by Islam, including Sharia law. Also ignored is the difficult truth that Islam, on its own terms, allows child sexual exploitation and trafficking.   Many of the young Muslim men responsible for these atrocities believe they are answerable to Sharia law, rather than to British law. They believe their devious assaults are approved by Islam's false god Allah, especially when done to an enemy who is oppressing them.  Send a 2-3 sentence letter urging that British authorities prosecute the rapists. Christian Turner, British Ambassador, British Embassy, 3100 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008. Twin earthquakes in Venezuela killed 164, injured 1,000 At least 164 people have been killed and 971 injured in Venezuela after powerful back-to-back earthquakes rocked the country on Wednesday night, June 24th, reports Yahoo News. Thousands more are feared dead after a magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 100 miles west of the capital, Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. In a Truth Social post, President Donald Trump said, "The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help! I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends." Supreme Court delivers major win to Trump On June 25th, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration's decision to end Temporary Protected Status for immigrants from Syria and Haiti, reports TownHall.com. In a 6-3 decision, the justices found that the statute bars judicial review of non-constitutional claims. After the Department of Homeland Security moved to terminate Temporary Protected Status for people from Syria and Haiti, it was hit with a deluge of lawsuits challenging the move. Congress created Temporary Protected Status back in 1990 to grant short-term humanitarian relief to foreigners who cannot safely return home due to armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extreme conditions. Syrians were able to take advantage of the program in 2012 because of the brutality of the Bashar al-Assad regime. Haiti received it in 2010 after a devastating earthquake. However, both designations went on for longer than the “temporary” label suggested. Alarm over Abortion Pills & dead babies in U.S. water supply Based on an alarming 86-page report entitled “Abortion in Our Water,” 14 state attorneys general sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency warning about a “growing threat to the country's waterways as a result of the pharmaceutical abortion drug mifepristone,” reports Liberty Counsel. They're asking the EPA to place mifepristone and its generics on the federal list of drinking water contaminants that need further investigation. The abortion industry has moved from clinics to toilets. Chemical abortions now account for 63% of all U.S. abortions in the formal health care system in 2023 — up from 31% in 2014 and 14% in 2005. Women are told to take the Abortion Kill Pills and flush everything directly into our water supply. About 700,000 chemical abortions each year send long-lasting abortion drugs and human remains into America's wastewater systems. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, thus starving the baby. This drug has long-lasting metabolites that remain in the water because the water treatment plants are generally not capable of filtering out these chemicals. In addition to these chemicals, the water systems were never designed for the resulting 30-40 tons of human remains which becomes hazardous medical waste! By contrast, hospitals and abortion mills are not allowed to flush medical waste down the drain for good reason. Through a special link in our transcript today at www.TheWorldview.com, you can send faxes to Congress and demand they take action to stop this public health threat. Court blocks California “gender secrecy law”, affirms parental rights California parents scored a big victory as a court blocked a law that kept school districts from reporting a child's “sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression” to parents, reports the Daily Citizen. America First Legal announced the decision on behalf of the City of Huntington Beach and parents.  “The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit entered a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of key provisions of California's AB 1955 – a law that prohibits schools from disclosing information to parents about a child's sexual orientation, ‘gender identity,' or gender expression, unless the child consents.” In other words, the State of California sought to prevent parents from obtaining information about “gender transitions” of their own children without the child's so-called consent. Democrat California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1955 which, as California Family Council explained, prohibited schools from notifying parents if their gender-confused children asked to be referred to with a biologically incorrect pronoun and a new name. In Matthew 19:4, Jesus said, “Surely you have read in the Scriptures: When God made the world, 'He made them male and female.'” Singer Forrest Frank unashamedly affirms exclusive truth about Jesus And finally, Christian hip-hop musician Forrest Frank is playing in sold out arenas and boldly declaring the exclusive truth about Christianity. Listen to a portion of his hit song "Jesus Is Alive" which was released on May 8th. By the time of its release, the song already had 19 million views on social media. FRANK: “Muhammad is still in his tomb. Joseph Smith is still in his tomb. Buddha is still in his tomb. Confucius is still in his tomb. “But there is one man who was not found in the tomb. I've been there. The tomb is empty. He was seen alive by over 500 eyewitnesses who wrote down accurate accounts that we saw the man who hung on the cross, and we touched the scars. “Watch this word: Alive. Jesus is the King, and He's alive. Jesus is alive.” Matthew 28:5-6 records, “The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.'” Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, June 26th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

This episode of the Carl Jackson Show is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the state of our nation and the world. The host dives into a shocking report from the UK that reveals the extent of the grooming gang scandal, where over 250,000 young girls were sexually abused by predominantly Muslim Pakistani gangs. The report highlights the catastrophic institutional failure that enabled these crimes for decades, with the government turning a blind eye and even destroying evidence. The host also discusses the resignation of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is accused of letting 13,000 suspected Muslim rapists and pedophiles off with warning letters when he was Director of Public Prosecutions. The host questions how someone like Starmer can claim to be a champion of justice and equality while allowing such atrocities to occur. The conversation also touches on the dangers of woke ideology and its impact on our society, including the censorship of free speech and the erosion of our values. The host also shares a powerful testimony from an Iranian-American woman who escaped Sharia law and warns about the dangers of Islamic extremism in the West. Her words are a stark reminder of the importance of protecting our freedom and way of life. If you're concerned about the direction of our country and the world, you won't want to miss this episode of the Carl Jackson Show. The host's passionate and insightful commentary will leave you feeling informed and motivated to take action. Listen now to hear the full discussion and learn how you can make a difference. Follow Carl Jackson:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carljacksonradioX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/carljacksonshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecarljacksonshowWebsite: http://www.TheCarlJacksonShow.comStore: https://CarlJacksonStore.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of the Carl Jackson Show is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the state of our nation and the world. The host dives into a shocking report from the UK that reveals the extent of the grooming gang scandal, where over 250,000 young girls were sexually abused by predominantly Muslim Pakistani gangs. The report highlights the catastrophic institutional failure that enabled these crimes for decades, with the government turning a blind eye and even destroying evidence. The host also discusses the resignation of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is accused of letting 13,000 suspected Muslim rapists and pedophiles off with warning letters when he was Director of Public Prosecutions. The host questions how someone like Starmer can claim to be a champion of justice and equality while allowing such atrocities to occur. The conversation also touches on the dangers of woke ideology and its impact on our society, including the censorship of free speech and the erosion of our values. The host also shares a powerful testimony from an Iranian-American woman who escaped Sharia law and warns about the dangers of Islamic extremism in the West. Her words are a stark reminder of the importance of protecting our freedom and way of life. If you're concerned about the direction of our country and the world, you won't want to miss this episode of the Carl Jackson Show. The host's passionate and insightful commentary will leave you feeling informed and motivated to take action. Listen now to hear the full discussion and learn how you can make a difference. Follow Carl Jackson:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carljacksonradioX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/carljacksonshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecarljacksonshowWebsite: http://www.TheCarlJacksonShow.comStore: https://CarlJacksonStore.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week two parallel Private Bills were introduced in the House of Commons and House of Lords by Baroness Stowell of Beeston and Sir John Whittingdale MP (https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/4163) with the aim of expanding the existing law to tackle so-called SLAPP litigation – Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation – defined by the Solicitors Regulation Authority as “a misuse of the legal system through bringing claims or threatening claims that are unmeritorious or characterised by abusive tactics in order to stifle lawful scrutiny and publication”. To debate the justification for extending the existing law as set out in sections 194 and 195 of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (currently limited solely to freedom of expression in relation to economic crime issues) Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC are joined by two media law Titans – Hugh Tomlinson KC and Gavin Millar KC – who have dramatically different views on the need for and practicality of anti-SLAPP laws. Is it right, as the UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition argue, that the UK legal system tops the bill in terms of SLAPP suits (https://antislapp.uk/what-is-a-slapp/cases-in-focus/)? Is the Stowell/Whittingdale Bill far too broad so as to enable fruitcakes, crackpots and loonies to seek the remedy of summary dismissal on the basis that what they are alleging, however absurd, is in the public interest?  Are the costs protections in favour of media defendants far too generous and bound to interfere with a claimant's right of access to the Courts? Is it appropriate for such a fundamental legislative measure to be enacted as a Private Member's Bill, or is this classically a job for the Law Commission to consider and propose a carefully thought through legislative amendment to existing law? Finally, Ken and Tim reflect on the resignation of Keir Starmer and consider whether Andy Burnham is likely to ditch the deeply unpopular proposals for jury reform in the Courts and Tribunals Bill, possibly with a new Justice Secretary replacing David Lammy.   --   Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.    ​ ​ What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.   ​ Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.    ​ ​ Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003-2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law. ​ ​ Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape. ​   If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Newly Released Rape Gang Inquiry Report Says While Keir Starmer Was Director of Public Prosecutions He Issued WARNING LETTERS To 13,000 Suspected Muslim Rape Gang Members And Pedophiles

//The Wire//2300Z June 17, 2026// //ROUTINE// //BLUF: UNITED STATES RELEASES TERMS OF MOU TO END THE GULF WAR. CONFUSION ABOUNDS REGARDING STATUS OF MERCHANT SHIPPING IN THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ. INTERSTATE SHOOTING SPREE CONDUCTED IN KANSAS CITY. RAPE GANG INQUIRY REPORT RELEASED IN UNITED KINGDOM.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Middle East: This morning, the United States published the text of the upcoming Memorandum of Understanding, which is to be signed on Friday. This disclosure was made by American officials to CNN and Bloomberg at the G7 summit, who verbally read the terms and provided the text to MSM outlets. Per this text, the general gist of the deal is very similar to what the Iranians claim, but with some minor differences. The most contentious item of the deal is right up front in Paragraph 1: the war in Lebanon is included as part of the deal. All sanctions on Iran will also be lifted, and a $300 billion reparations payment will be funded by the United States and other Arab nations for the reconstruction of Iran's infrastructure that was destroyed in the war. President Trump also verbally stated that Iran's missile program will remain, and is not part of the deal.Strait of Hormuz: The status of shipping remains uncertain as both sides continue to enforce the mutual blockades. Several Iranian ships have crossed the American blockade line, despite NAVCENT stating that the blockade is still in effect, but western-aligned ships have been hesitant to make the crossing due to the confusion.Analyst Comment: Right now a lot of commercial firms and insurance companies are trying to figure out what to do, and a surge of petroleum tankers is heading toward the Middle East right now, as the world awaits the resumption of normal shipping this weekend. The US and Iran have thirty days after Friday to allow shipping to resume, but 60 days after the agreement is signed, Iran will retain the right to charge tolls for access to the Persian Gulf, granting the Iranians de facto control of the waterway. As a result, the insurance status of commercial shipping remains unclear, though rates will very likely be permanently elevated, much like how many shipping companies never reverted back to the Red Sea route following the Houthi targeting two years ago. Many companies still take the longer route around Africa, so that situation has not yet returned to normal, and though alternative access routes for the Persian Gulf don't really exist, it will take many months for shipping to work out the details of how to proceed.-HomeFront-Missouri: Last night, a mass shooting spree was reported throughout Kansas City as one assailant conducted small arms attacks at five different sites throughout the city. Local authorities state that all of these shootings stem from the same incident, which appears to involve an individual in a vehicle, traveling eastbound on I-70 shooting at other vehicles also traveling the same direction. Later that night, a fifth shooting site was located after a man was found wounded in his vehicle at the intersection of Truman Road and Bennington Avenue. This man later died at a local hospital.All total, five different vehicles were targeted, and a total of four people were wounded, and one person killed, during the attacks throughout the day. By this morning, the link between all shootings was discovered, and the suspect was located at his residence in Independence, where a barricaded-shooter situation is currently underway. More details are expected as the situation develops.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: In the United Kingdom, the Rape Gang Inquiry Report was released last night. This report was compiled by a Parliamentary effort led by MP Rupert Lowe, with the goal of investigating the official documents and criminal cases of mass the rape of British society by Pakistani men since the 1950's. Specifically, the investigation seeks to examine the industrialization of rape, organized into cells or Rape Gangs, which conducted assaults on a scale never before seen by the civilized world.This report revealed that an minimum of 250,000 British girls have been systemically raped, tortured, and victimized by these gangs, which included a large percentage of police officers, judges, and Members of Parliament. An entire ecosystem had been established for the police to arrest any victims of the gangs, with victims in most cases being raped hundreds of times by police officers while allegedly being in victim protection programs, even after the scandal became public years ago. Nearly 40% of the land mass of the nation was host to these gangs, which were not conducting isolated attacks, but industrial-scale crimes at a volume that is simply indescribable.The 200+ page report is not for the faint of heart as it describes in excruciating detail the evidence examined in this case, and nearly all of it is too horrific for mixed company. The closest approximation for a wider audience would be to imagine a network of hundreds of thousands of Jeffrey Epsteins, committing acts that were so horrific that Epstein's own network did not engage in this level of depravity. For most people, this document will be the absolute worst thing they will ever read in their entire life.Right now, the western world is at an impasse. The recent social tension in the U.K. due to the stabbing attacks has served as a primer for whatever comes next. Understanding the severity of this report, the National Crime Agency has snapped-to, and ordered the re-investigation of rape gang reports going back to 2010, in an attempt to get ahead of the tidal wave of righteous anger that has begun to rise throughout society. The entire Child Services ecosystem of the United Kingdom is currently serving as a clearing house to funnel a quarter of a million children to Muslim rape gangs. Kier Starmer himself was the director of Public Prosecutions during the height of this atrocity, and personally signed off on ~13,000 rape gang members being released with nothing more than a warning letter.If these people were sent a letter, that means they have names and addresses. It will be for the British people to decide how best to proceed, and it will take some time for organizational efforts to take hold, considering the sheer scale of this crisis. It will also be wise to consider that this problemset is not unique (nor contained) to the British Isles.Analyst: S2A1 Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2underground Disclaimer: No LLMs were used in the writing of this report. //END REPORT//

The last three episodes of Double Jeopardy covering the media ban on convicted murderer Jeremy Bamber, the Fordingbridge rape sentences and the murder of Henry Nowak have generated big audiences and plenty of comments and questions from listeners. And so in this week's episode Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC respond to a range of listeners' questions including – why bother to debate the rights and wrongs of the decision by the prison authorities to ban Bamber from all contact with the media given the numerous unsuccessful attempts he has made to overturn his convictions? Is it really necessary for a journalist to be able to have a face to face meeting with a prisoner when researching his/her claim to be a victim of a miscarriage of justice? Should politicians stay out of sentencing decisions altogether or was it acceptable for Keir Starmer to express his personal view on the sentences meted out to the child rapists in the Fordingbridge case? Should a child convicted of an “adult crime” such as rape be treated as an adult in sentencing terms as the mother of one of the girl victims has publicly urged? (Since recording the episode we learned that the hearing of the Attorney General's reference of the rape sentences to the Court of Appeal has been adjourned to 1-2 July.) Ken and Tim also discuss the Report of the Justice Select Committee (which is highly critical of the Courts and Tribunals Bill on the basis its proposed reforms are being advanced without sufficient evidence, planning or formal response to Sir Brian Leveson's Independent Review of the Criminal Courts) (Parliamentcommittees.parliament.uk/publications/53510/documents/298926/default). They anticipate the revival of the Assisted Dying Bill now that the MP who came second in the Private Members' Bill ballot, Lauren Edwards, has announced she will promote it in the next Parliamentary session. And finally, the duo reflect on the judgment of the Court of Appeal upholding the Home Secretary's decision to proscribe Palestine Action (JudiciaryHome Secretary -v- Huda Ammori - Courts and Tribunals Judiciary)   --   Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.     What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.      Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.       Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003 2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law.  Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape.    If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The non-custodial Youth Rehabilitation Orders handed down by Judge Nicholas Rowland at Southampton Crown Court on 21st May 2026 on 3 teenage boys (aged 14 and 13 at the date of their crimes) for the gang rape of two lone girls aged 14 and 15 in Fordingbridge, Hampshire in 2024 and 2025 has triggered a major public outcry, generating public intervention by the Prime Minister and a decision by Attorney General Lord Hermer KC to refer the sentences to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Scheme set out in s.36 Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Attorney general had 'no doubt' on reviewing teen boys' rape sentences).  The hearing is listed on 16th June.   To discuss the very difficult sentencing issues generated by the case and the tension it reveals between diversion from the criminal justice system and rehabilitation of child/young offenders on the one hand and the needs of punishment, deterrence and public safety on the other, Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC are joined once again by Sarah Vine KC, a barrister with extensive experience of defending adults and children charged with rape and other serious sexual offences.     Bearing in mind the appalling conditions in and disastrous outcomes from detention in Young Offender Institutes such as Feltham (as revealed in the 2025 HM Inspectorate Report) as well as the clear priority set out in the Sentencing Council's guidance on Sentencing Children and Young People that the focus on sentencing a child should be on rehabilitation “where possible” (https://sentencingcouncil.org.uk/guidelines/sentencing-children-and-young-people/) is it possible to argue that Judge Rowland's sentences are radically out of line with sentencing principles to the extent that they represent a “gross error” on the basis they “fall outside the range of sentences which the judge, applying his mind to all relevant factors, could reasonably consider appropriate” (Attorney General's Reference No 4 of 1989 [1990] 1 WLR 41) ?  And do the interventions by Keir Starmer and Richard Hermer show that, despite their human rights backgrounds, they respond as typical politicians in the face of a populist demand to send more people, including children, to prison and for longer. -- Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.    ​ ​ What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.   ​ ​ Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.    ​ ​ Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003-2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law. ​ ​ Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape. ​ ​If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy.​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why has the Prison Service banned the convicted murderer Jeremy Bamber from any contact with the media, whether by letter, email, phone calls or face to face visits? And is such a ban lawful? Bamber was convicted in October 1986 of the cold-blooded murders of his adoptive parents, Neville and June Bamber, his adoptive sister Sheila Caffell and Sheila's 6 year old twin sons Daniel and Nicholas, making him the UK's most notorious living mass murderer.  Now in the 40th year of his whole life sentence, Bamber has consistently maintained his innocence via a high profile media campaign informed by regular contact with investigative journalists including, most recently, in Heidi Blake's much lauded podcast series Blood Relatives (https://open.spotify.com/episode/7Lzwf8v7MaQdjijhvxaZhH). And Bamber's most recent attempt to persuade the Criminal Cases Review Commission to refer his case to the Court of Appeal remains under active consideration some 24 years after his last CCRC reference was rejected by the Court of Appeal ( https://www.casemine.com/judgement/uk/5b46f2152c94e0775e7f20b6) Against this background of regular contact with serious journalists concerned to assist Bamber's continuing efforts to establish his innocence, Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC are joined by the award winning Guardian journalist Simon Hattenstone (@shattenstone) and former Brixton, Swaleside and Belmarsh prison Governor John Podmore (@John_Podmore) to discuss what appears to be a plainly unlawful decision by the prison authorities given the ruling of the House of Lords in the landmark 1999 judgment in R (Simms & O'Brien) v Home Secretary (https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld199899/ldjudgmt/jd990708/obrien01.htm). Simon explains his communications with Bamber over the past 20 years and why he believes he may well be a victim of a gross miscarriage of justice. And John gives his bleak assessment of the mindset which may explain the thinking behind this attempt by the authorities suddenly to cut Bamber off from further contact with the media. -- Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.    ​ ​ What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.   ​ ​ Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.    ​ ​ Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003-2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law. ​ ​ Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape. ​ ​If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy.​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AfriForum has asked the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andy Mothibi, for an urgent update on the much delayed extradition of the Guptas who allegedly benefited from State Capture to the tune of between R50 and R70 billion. In this interview with Chris Steyn, Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum's Chief Spokesperson: Community Safety, says it is possible that the Guptas still enjoy protection from South African politicians. “And I think the main reason for that would be that there are other people who are still implicated in their misdeeds as well. People who aren't hiding in the UAE, but people who are still living within the borders of our country.” Broodryk goes on to vow “...this is definitely something that we're not going to let go. Even if it takes us years…I think we've proven ourselves, that we don't let matters go. Look at the Julius Malema case, for instance, the firearms case that took us eight years of continuous pressure and continuous following up to ensure that justice was served and it was eventually - and we're planning to do the same with this Gupta matter.”

After a year of political pressure from a growing number of Member States concerned to counter populist anti-ECHR rhetoric over asylum, illegal migration and deportation of foreign criminals, the 46 members of the Council of Europe issued the Chisinau Declaration on 15th May 2026 (https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/council-of-europe-foreign-ministers-adopt-political-declaration-on-the-echr-and-migration). The Declaration targets the two articles of the ECHR most frequently deployed by migrants to halt deportations – the Article 3 absolute prohibition on torture and inhuman/degrading treatment and the Article 8 qualified right to respect for private and family life. While the Declaration is a political document and not legally binding, it's clear purpose is to exert pressure on the European Court of Human Rights and domestic courts to change course so that member States have greater freedom to circumvent previous human rights barriers, more easily deport/extradite foreign nationals and process asylum applications with less legal scrutiny by the Strasbourg Court. In this week's episode Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC discuss the politics behind the Chisinau Declaration and ask what practical effect it will have in terms of the altering the decision making of the European Court of Human Rights. They also discuss the recent Judgment of the Court of Appeal in the controversial case involving an allegation of contempt of court against criminal defence barrister Rajiv Menon KC (https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Judgment-Rajiv-Menon-KC-CA-2026-000767-1.pdf?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email) and debate whether, as the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism and State Threat Legislation and now the Government believes, Britain really needs more laws to tackle state-based security threats to the UK (https://terrorismlegislationreviewer.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/19.5.25-State-Threat-and-Terrorism-report-1.pdf). -- Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.  ​ What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.  ​ ​ Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.  ​ ​ Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003-2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law. ​ ​ Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape. ​ ​ If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy.​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the Serious Fraud Office “on the ropes” as the headline in a recent Financial Times article declared? Was the former anti-corruption tsar Ken Clarke right in 2014 when he told SFO Director David Green that he had “always thought the SFO was a load of crap”? And if so, why is it that the UK is so poor at investigating financial crimes in comparison with other countries? Does the recent announcement of SFO Director Nick Ephgrave's early retirement, the collapse of the London Mining case, and the two-year postponement of the Patisserie Valerie trial provide yet more evidence that the SFO is a doomed organisation, ripe for merger into the planned new National Police Service? To discuss the continuing problems that plague the SFO's ability to be seen as a fearsome, fraud busting organisation, Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC are joined once again by leading financial crime Silk Ian Winter KC. The trio also debate the pros and cons of the Government's proposal to do away with juries in “suitably technical and lengthy” fraud and financial crime cases and consider the implications of Supreme Court President Lord Reed's call for more criminal appeals to be considered by the top court in the face of a concern that the Court of Appeal Criminal Division has for many years demonstrated institutional reluctance to certify points of law with the result that very few criminal appeals ever reach the Supreme Court. -- Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.    ​ ​What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.   ​ ​Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.    ​ ​Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003-2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law. ​​ Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape. ​ If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy.​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On 21st April, almost two months since the US launched Operation Epic Fury “to destroy Iranian offensive missiles, destroy Iranian missile production, destroy Iran's navy and other security infrastructure” and “finally ensure that Iran will never have nuclear weapons”, the Office of the Legal Adviser to the State Department issued a detailed justification of the legality of the attack, asserting that the US “is acting well within the recognised contours of international law relating to the use of force and self-defence” (StateOperation Epic Fury and International Law - United States Department of State) To discuss the State Department Opinion, issued in the name of Legal Adviser Reed D Rubinstein, Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC are joined by the highly distinguished American academic, Professor Rebecca Ingber of the Cardozo School of Law (Rebecca Ingber). An expert in international law, national security, foreign relations law and constitutional separation of powers, Rebecca served as the Counselor on International Law in the Office of the Legal Adviser at the State Department between 2021-2023 and she brings practical experience of government service and academic expertise to dissect the various strands of the State Department's belated legal justification for the war against Iran. Does the theory of a “continuing armed conflict” between Iran and the US/Israel, possibly dating back as far as 1979, stand up to legal scrutiny so that there was no need for a fresh assessment of necessity/proportionality before attacking Iran on 28th February ? -- Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.     What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.    Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.     Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003-2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law.  Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape.  If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How far away is the reality of an artificial "legal brain” thanks to the extraordinary speed of developments in AI? With the CEOs of the key frontier labs (Anthropic, OpenAI, DeepMind) predicting that “lift off” (meaning the point at which AI is sufficiently autonomous to improve itself faster than humans can improve it) may be here within 1-2 years what are the implications for the law and the regulation of lawyers? To answer these and other questions, Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC are joined by their Matrix Chambers colleague and AI/media law expert, Zoe McCallum. They discuss the extraordinary feud that has erupted in the USA between Anthropic and the Pentagon in the wake of revelations that Anthropic's AI tool, Claude Opus, was used by the US Department of War to help plan and execute the kidnap of Venezuelan President Maduro in breach of Anthropic's ethical “red lines” (no use of its products for autonomous weapons systems). They also discuss Anthropic's announcement that its most powerful model yet (Mythos) is “too dangerous to release” in light of its capacity to expose major flaws in every major operating system and web browser – a perfect gift to hostile States engaged in cyber-warfare. Finally, the trio address the question – can an AI tool be liable for false and defamatory statements under the Defamation Act 2013? Indeed can AI even be said to hold an opinion? Disclaimer: In this show we discuss some of the issues associated with use of recent AI models. Nothing in the show is intended to be specific advice or recommendation as to use.  Listeners who are barristers are referred to the BSB's guidance on the use of AI at https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/updated-guidance-on-generative-ai-for-the-bar.html. Judges are referred to https://www.judiciary.uk/guidance-and-resources/artificial-intelligence-ai-judicial-guidance-october-2025/.   And solicitors are referred to https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/ai-and-lawtech/generative-ai-the-essentials. -- Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.  ​ What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.  ​ Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.  ​ Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003-2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law. ​ Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape. ​ If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With numerous former senior civil servants attacking Keir Starmer for his decision to sack Sir Olly Robbins – former Cabinet Secretary Lord Gus O'Donnell says the sacking “risks having a serious and sustained chilling effect on serving and prospective civil servants” - Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC examine the claim by those defending Robbins that he was forbidden by law from disclosing to Starmer even the bare outcome of Mandelson's developed vetting process by UK Security Vetting.   Does - as previous FCDO Perm Sec Lord Simon McDonald has said - the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 and the terms of the Civil Service Code have the legal consequence that any disclosure to Ministers, including the Prime Minister, of any aspect of the developed vetting process is contrary to law? Or is this just an example of the Mandarin class being addicted to secrecy and control to the point that deprives Ministers of obviously relevant material for no clear legal reason? Following on from last week's episode with Kathleen Stock on the Assisted Dying Bill, Ken and Tim reflect on the briefing paper drafted by Humanists UK and My Death, My Decision which sets out the blatant efforts of 7 Peers to talk the Bill out in the Lords in full knowledge that were the House of Lords to be allowed to vote on it, the Bill would be passed - https://humanists.uk/2026/04/20/lords-assisted-dying-debate-transcript-is-longer-than-war-and-peace-filibuster-clear-and-obvious/#:~:text=Humanists%20UK%20and%20My%20Death%2C%20My%20Decision,the%20filibuster%2C%20and%20the%20final%20debate%20will.   Finally, Ken and Tim discuss the legitimacy and future of private prosecutions in the wake of a scathing judgment issued last week by Senior District Judge Goldspring at Westminster Magistrates' Court in response to an attempt by the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians to issue a summons alleging a breach of the Foreign Enlistment Act 1870 against a dual British-Israel citizen who had re-enlisted in the Israel Defense Force in October 2023 - https://www.scribd.com/document/1028546698/ICJP-v-A-judgment?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email -- Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.    ​ ​ What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.   ​ ​ Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.    ​ ​ Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003-2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law. ​ Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape. ​ If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy.​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Kim Leadbeater's Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill apparently doomed to extinction thanks to the co-ordinated efforts of a handful of Peers determined to ensure it cannot complete scrutiny in the House of Lords, the future looks bleak for any form of assisted dying legislation to become law in the UK any time soon. To discuss the arguments for and against the Leadbeater Bill, Ken and Tim – both supporters of some form of assisted dying legislation – are joined by philosopher and writer Kathleen Stock to discuss her new book Do Not Go Gentle, which is a vivid, fierce and, at times, angry secular polemic against a state-assisted death service, regardless of the circumstances of those who may wish such assistance. Stock argues that state-sanctioned assisted dying is a “moral disaster” against which we should rage rather than a liberal, progressive development. Resting her thesis on the idea that the “right to die” is a hollow concept that creates more harm than freedom, Kathleen challenges the illusion of autonomy that she says underpins the thinking of those who support assisted dying and warns of the slippery slope that inevitably, she says, expands the criteria from those with a terminal diagnosis to include chronic pain, disability, and those struggling with mental health issues. In a lively debate, Ken and Tim challenge Kathleen's description of the campaign for the Leadbeater Bill as a “hobby horse of the comfortable and the rich who have a fear of death and believe they have a right to control when they die”, and argue that the experience of countries which have had assisted dying legislation on the statute book for many years does not support her dystopian view of the UK once state-assisted dying is lawful in some, albeit limited, circumstances. -- Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.  What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.  ​ Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.  ​ Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003-2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law. ​ Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape. ​ If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gardaí have submitted a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions after what's described as an "extensive investigation" into the death of a baby in Kerry more than 40 years ago. Our Southern Editor Paschal Sheehy is following developments for us.

On 19th March 2026 the Chief Inspector of Prisons issued an Urgent Notification placing Woodhill Prison into special measures (https://hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmipris_reports/hmp-woodhill-urgent-notification-2/).     On the same day he published a truly shocking report into HMP Swaleside (https://hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmipris_reports/hmp-swaleside-5/), another jail in the long-term high secure estate holding some of the most dangerous men in the country. Coming less than 18 months after an Urgent Notification was issued at HMP Manchester, the Inspectorate's findings reveal a disturbing, indeed shameful, picture of systemic failure and loss of control in UK prisons.    To discuss the role and work of the Prisons Inspectorate and his recent Reports into Woodhill, Swaleside and Manchester prisons, Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC are joined by His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, for a wide-ranging discussion on the truly dreadful state of our prison system.      How is it possible that in supposedly high-secure prisons, “very high levels of violence affect every aspect of prison life” and “drug taking is rife with drones regularly bringing contraband, including knives, into the jail” as the Swaleside Report found? What does it say about the ability of the Ministry of Justice to manage our prison system that wings at Swaleside are “filthy with too many cells in a poor state of repair with widespread graffiti, fire damage, broken furniture, dilapidated flooring and showers that are dirty, mouldy and poorly maintained”?  Why is it impossible for the Prison Service to recruit and retain experienced staff to manage the volatile and complex population of the long term estate?  With these prisons failing in their core functions as training prisons, with too many men with nothing to do all day and activities that might improve employability on release having ceased due to cuts to education provision, what hope is there that any prisoner will emerge better than when they began their sentence?    --  Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.        What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.        Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.       Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003-2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law.    Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape.    If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2026 US/Israel war against Iran is a rapidly evolving, multi-front war.  What started as a massive joint air campaign (Operation Epic Fury) and involved the execution of Ayatollah Ali Khameini and some 40 other senior Iranian leaders and key military commanders has expanded into a regional confrontation involving cyber warfare, energy blockades and direct missile exchanges without any current sign of an uprising by the Iranian people to topple the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Hormuz Straits remain effectively closed to Western-aligned commercial traffic, creating a looming crisis of global economic disaster.   Following their discussion with Shadow Attorney General Lord Wolfson KC in the 4th March episode on the legality of the initial US/Israel attack on 28th February 2026, Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC are joined once again by LSE Professor of International Law, Devika Hovell, to continue the debate on the international law issues generated by the Iran War.      What are the international law rules which govern the use of force by States as established in the 1837 Caroline Criteria and the UN Charter? To what extent have those rules developed to reflect the reality of a nuclear threat represented by a rogue State actor such as Iran? Has the “imminence” test inherent in the justification for anticipatory self-defence developed so as to permit an attack from the moment a hostile actor acquires the capability to destroy you using nuclear weapons rather than when they actually push the button? And is Trump's threat to obliterate Iran's power generation system a threat to commit a war crime, with obvious implications for the UK's continued willingness to permit the US to use UK bases for bombing raids on Iran?  --  Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.  What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.        Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.         Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003-2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law.      Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape.    If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Justice Minister says an inquiry into the investigation leading to the high-profile trial of four serving gardaí, including three with Clare links, wouldn't be in "anyone's best interest". The four defendants, along with a retired superintendent, were found not guilty of perverting the course of justice in January in the long-running case relating to the alleged termination of tickets for road traffic offences. The Taoiseach has previously called for a review of the investigation. The solicitors of three additional Gardaí in the Limerick division, due to stand trial on similar charges, were yesterday informed by the Director of Public Prosecutions that all charges against them will be dropped. Responding to Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe in the Dáil about the first case, Jim O'Callaghan says we need to "move on" and those emotionally affected should "get help".

The Tánaiste says he believes there should be an inquiry into the charges brought against eleven Midwest Gardaí, including three with Clare links, who were accused of perverting the course of justice. Four defendants, along with a retired superintendent, were found not guilty in January in the long-running case relating to the alleged termination of tickets for road traffic offences. Three additional Gardaí in the Limerick division, who were due to stand trial on similar charges, were yesterday informed by the Director of Public Prosecutions that all charges against them are being dropped. The Justice Minister yesterday told the Dáil that an inquiry wouldn't be in "anyone's best interest." Labour TD Alan Kelly once again told the Dáil this lunchtime that lives have been "destroyed" as a result of the investigation. In response, Tánaiste Simon Harris said he agrees with the Taoiseach that an inquiry should be held and that the Gardaí involved "deserve an explanation."

With world events continuing to dominate the domestic news agenda, Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC respond to a range of listeners' questions generated by recent episodes.     What explains the huge gap which has emerged between the broad consensus among international lawyers that the US/Israel attack on Iran was illegal and the mild or even supportive reactions given to Operation Epic Fury by many States? Ken and Tim respond to the many questions from listeners who disagreed with Shadow AG Lord Wolfson KC's confident assertion that the attack was both legally and morally justified and debate the thoughtful article by Professors Yuval Shany and Amichai Cohen which argues that the move towards the “illegal but legitimate” justification presents a grave challenge to the Rules Based International Order - https://www.justsecurity.org/133292/international-law-crossroads/     What is the legal basis for restricting public comments on the active police investigations into allegations of misconduct in public office by Peter Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and how can such comments be said to prejudice an investigation as opposed to an actual trial?       Has the UK become too much of a “lawyerly” society and to what extent does the culture of legalism, process and institutional caution hold back policy making and ultimately economic growth?  Ken and Tim discuss the expansion of judicial review and the link to populist disillusion with the rule of law.     Finally, the duo reflect on the Second Reading Vote on the Courts and Tribunals Bill and Ken questions why the Government hasn't opted to extend the Scottish system, whereby it is the prosecutor fiscal who holds the exclusive power to determine mode of trial, to England and Wales.    --  Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.         What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.        Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.         Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003-2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law.      Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape.    If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Twenty nine years after the first sitting of the Moriarty Tribunal the Director of Public Prosecutions has decided no charges should be brought against Michael Lowry.

Undaunted by near unanimous opposition from the legal profession, the Government last week published the Courts and Tribunals Bill which, if enacted, will mean that roughly half of cases currently tried by juries will be decided either by magistrates or a single Crown Court Judge. And to discuss the content and implications of the bill, Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC are joined by the Chief Executive of JUSTICE, Fiona Rutherford who, in a previous life, was the Director of Access to Justice Policy at the Ministry of Justice as well as holding other frontline policy roles in the criminal justice sector. Given David Lammy's denunciation of previous Conservative Government proposals to limit jury trial in a series of 2020 tweets – “the opportunity to be judged by 12 peers is vital to prevent bias and ensure justice”, “the right to trial by your fellow citizens is fundamental to our democracy. It would be wrong of the government to abandon this valuable tradition for short-term benefit” – how on earth is he the right person to advocate such radical measures to undermine our system of trial by jury in all triable either way cases where the sentence can be up to three years imprisonment? In light of Lammy's 2017 Independent Review into the treatment of BAME individuals in the criminal justice system, on what basis does he now believe that forcing more defendants to face trial by an unrepresentative body of lay Magistrates will be a fairer way of delivering justice? And what lies behind the Courts Minister's sudden awakening to the idea that abandoning trial by jury for a vast swathe of cases will actually be fairer for everyone as a matter of principle and that she would be advocating in favour of the reform proposals even if there was no Crown Court backlog? Finally, as the House of Commons begins its Second Reading of the Courts and Tribunals Bill, Ken, Tim and Fiona consider the prospects of another government U-turn in the face of reports of growing Labour backbench concern that the Lammy reform package will damage Labour's commitment to justice and fairness without actually tackling the endemic problems which are the cause of the backlog.  -- Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.       What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.  Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.      Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003-2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law.  Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape.  If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re often told to seek help if we’re struggling with trauma. But what happens when the therapy that helps you heal could also impact your chance at justice? EMDR is widely recognised as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD, but one Australian woman says undergoing the therapy later became a factor in prosecutors deciding not to proceed with her case alleging sexual abuse as an adolescent...and she’s not alone. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Katie Bird, who explains how EMDR changed her life... but also prevented her from seeking justice in a flawed system. In a statement to the ABC, who originally reported this story, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions would not comment on individual matters but said: "Each prosecution is assessed individually in accordance with the prosecution policy of the Commonwealth." "Part of the assessment is the consideration of the admissibility of the evidence both at statute and common law." For information and support, you can contact Australia's national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service on 1800 RESPECT. Headlines: Nationals Leader David Littleproud has sensationally quit as leader of the National Party The federal government has stepped up its commitment to the War in the Middle East The 5 Iranian soccer players who fled from their handlers overnight have been granted humanitarian visas Labor will push through new superannuation tax changes after securing support from the Greens in the Senate A spokesperson for Kyle Sandilands has released a statement demanding the radio host be allowed back on air Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Calls for former Prince Andrew—now Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor—to face a formal inquiry and cooperate with ongoing investigations have intensified across the UK amid fresh revelations tied to his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Recently released documents from the U.S. Department of Justice have shown extensive correspondence between Andrew and Epstein from when Andrew served as the UK's trade envoy, prompting critics to argue that these communications raise serious questions about potential misconduct, including sharing sensitive information while in public office. The Director of Public Prosecutions stressed that “nobody is above the law,” and Thames Valley Police, along with other forces, is now assessing allegations of misconduct in public office, adding to demands from figures such as former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and ex-Business Secretary Vince Cable for a full police probe and parliamentary scrutiny of how Andrew's actions were handled. Anti-monarchy campaign groups have also staged protests calling for an inquiry that would extend to what senior royals knew about his links with Epstein.Alongside these UK pressures, there are domestic demands from MPs and public commentators that Andrew should be compelled to answer questions about his knowledge of Epstein's network and associated abuses, with calls for him to appear before both British authorities and, in some cases, US lawmakers. The combination of leaked files, growing media scrutiny, and vocal pressure from politicians and advocacy groups has kept the controversy in the spotlight, fuelling debate about accountability, transparency, and the role of UK institutions—including the monarchy—in addressing allegations linked to one of the most enduring scandals involving a member of the royal family.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Police under renewed pressure to investigate Andrew over Epstein ties after intervention from former minister | The Independent

Calls for former Prince Andrew—now Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor—to face a formal inquiry and cooperate with ongoing investigations have intensified across the UK amid fresh revelations tied to his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Recently released documents from the U.S. Department of Justice have shown extensive correspondence between Andrew and Epstein from when Andrew served as the UK's trade envoy, prompting critics to argue that these communications raise serious questions about potential misconduct, including sharing sensitive information while in public office. The Director of Public Prosecutions stressed that “nobody is above the law,” and Thames Valley Police, along with other forces, is now assessing allegations of misconduct in public office, adding to demands from figures such as former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and ex-Business Secretary Vince Cable for a full police probe and parliamentary scrutiny of how Andrew's actions were handled. Anti-monarchy campaign groups have also staged protests calling for an inquiry that would extend to what senior royals knew about his links with Epstein.Alongside these UK pressures, there are domestic demands from MPs and public commentators that Andrew should be compelled to answer questions about his knowledge of Epstein's network and associated abuses, with calls for him to appear before both British authorities and, in some cases, US lawmakers. The combination of leaked files, growing media scrutiny, and vocal pressure from politicians and advocacy groups has kept the controversy in the spotlight, fuelling debate about accountability, transparency, and the role of UK institutions—including the monarchy—in addressing allegations linked to one of the most enduring scandals involving a member of the royal family.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Police under renewed pressure to investigate Andrew over Epstein ties after intervention from former minister | The IndependentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Calls for former Prince Andrew—now Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor—to face a formal inquiry and cooperate with ongoing investigations have intensified across the UK amid fresh revelations tied to his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Recently released documents from the U.S. Department of Justice have shown extensive correspondence between Andrew and Epstein from when Andrew served as the UK's trade envoy, prompting critics to argue that these communications raise serious questions about potential misconduct, including sharing sensitive information while in public office. The Director of Public Prosecutions stressed that “nobody is above the law,” and Thames Valley Police, along with other forces, is now assessing allegations of misconduct in public office, adding to demands from figures such as former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and ex-Business Secretary Vince Cable for a full police probe and parliamentary scrutiny of how Andrew's actions were handled. Anti-monarchy campaign groups have also staged protests calling for an inquiry that would extend to what senior royals knew about his links with Epstein.Alongside these UK pressures, there are domestic demands from MPs and public commentators that Andrew should be compelled to answer questions about his knowledge of Epstein's network and associated abuses, with calls for him to appear before both British authorities and, in some cases, US lawmakers. The combination of leaked files, growing media scrutiny, and vocal pressure from politicians and advocacy groups has kept the controversy in the spotlight, fuelling debate about accountability, transparency, and the role of UK institutions—including the monarchy—in addressing allegations linked to one of the most enduring scandals involving a member of the royal family.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Police under renewed pressure to investigate Andrew over Epstein ties after intervention from former minister | The IndependentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

This week, we revisit our 2023 conversation with His Honour Justice Paul Coghlan AO. Paul's life in the law has taken him from the Deputy Crown Solicitor's Office to the Bar, from Director of Public Prosecutions to a Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria - and somewhere along the way, he also managed to serve as Mayor of Fitzroy.A wealth of knowledge, Paul reflects on his approach to prosecuting, his treatment of witnesses and juries, and his experience striking case-cracking deals in the early days of the gangland murder trials.www.greenslist.com.au/podcast

An educator is cleared after a child safeguarding investigation.The Public Accounts Committee takes a hard look at how Government is managing money and the big wins and the big challenges from the perpsective of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Kgomotso Modise, in for Clement Manyathela speaks to Dr Suhayfa Bhamjee , Senior Lecturer in criminal justice UKZN Law on the recent appointment made by President Cyril Ramaphosa of Advocate Andy Mothibi as South Africa’s new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) and what this means for the criminal justice system. Tags: Clement Manyathela Show, Kgomotso Modise, Dr Suhayfa Bhamjee, NDPP, Advocate Andy Mothibi, law, President Cyril Ramaphosa The Clement Manyathela Show is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station, weekdays from 09:00 to 12:00 (SA Time). Clement Manyathela starts his show each weekday on 702 at 9 am taking your calls and voice notes on his Open Line. In the second hour of his show, he unpacks, explains, and makes sense of the news of the day. Clement has several features in his third hour from 11 am that provide you with information to help and guide you through your daily life. As your morning friend, he tackles the serious as well as the light-hearted, on your behalf. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Clement Manyathela Show. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to The Clement Manyathela Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/XijPLtJ or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/p0gWuPE Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Grootes speaks to Busi Mavuso, CEO of Business Leadership South Africa, about why the upcoming appointment of the National Director of Public Prosecutions is pivotal for South Africa’s business climate, highlighting how rule of law failures drive up transaction costs and why structural reforms are essential to empower the new NDPP beyond just the selection process. In other interviews, Carel de Jager, Research lead for Blockchain technology at the CSIR explains the renewed cryptocurrency sell-off, as Bitcoin slid to around $86,553 and Ethereum dropped to $2,836 amid global risk-off sentiment and regulatory pressures from China. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape.    Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa     Follow us on social media   702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702   CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702 CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clement Manyathela speaks to Advocate Myron Dewrance, the Vice-Chairperson of the Johannesburg Society of Advocates about the court application launched against Former National Director of Public Prosecutions, Menzi Simelane to be struck from the roll following his shortlisting for the NDPP position.Clement Manyathela speaks to Advocate Myron Dewrance, the Vice-Chairperson of the Johannesburg Society of Advocates about the court application launched against Former National Director of Public Prosecutions, Menzi Simelane to be struck from the roll Menzi Simelane's following his shortlisting for the NDPP position. The Clement Manyathela Show is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station, weekdays from 09:00 to 12:00 (SA Time). Clement Manyathela starts his show each weekday on 702 at 9 am taking your calls and voice notes on his Open Line. In the second hour of his show, he unpacks, explains, and makes sense of the news of the day. Clement has several features in his third hour from 11 am that provide you with information to help and guide you through your daily life. As your morning friend, he tackles the serious as well as the light-hearted, on your behalf. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Clement Manyathela Show. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to The Clement Manyathela Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/XijPLtJ or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/p0gWuPE Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Director of Public Prosecutions considers the new Brief of Evidence into Amy Wensley’s death, the team speaks to a Domestic Violence survivor who’s also a police officer specialising in this area. Sharon Morgan’s story is both heartbreaking and hopeful – shining a light on all that’s right and wrong with the system. Music in this episode includes: Don't Die on Me - Myuu - https://www.thedarkpiano.com/ Phantom - Myuu https://www.thedarkpiano.com/ Poltergeist - Myuu https://www.thedarkpiano.com/ "Very Low Note" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Long Note Two" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.