The Story

George Greenwood, an investigations reporter at The Times, and Katie Gatens, commissioning editor at The Sunday Times, dive deep into Prince Andrew's scandals. They discuss the fallout from his infamous Newsnight interview and new revelations about his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. With the release of Virginia Giuffre's memoir, they explore her harrowing allegations and the complexities of legal settlements. Greenwood also addresses Andrew's relinquishment of his duke title and ongoing concerns about his financial dealings and judgment.

Clive Armstrong, a local resident of Enniskillen, shares his heartbreaking journey of losing his father, RUC officer Ted Armstrong, in the 1987 Poppy Day bombing. He recounts the poignant memories of family life before the tragedy struck. The discussion delves into the chaos and devastation wrought by the bomb, the long-lasting impact on the community, and the struggle for accountability as unanswered questions linger in the air. Through personal stories, grief, and anger, Clive illuminates the profound scars left on his community.

Sean O'Neill, a senior writer at The Times, dives into the harrowing history of the Tuam mother-and-baby home, where over 800 children died under tragic circumstances. He reveals how a local woman, Catherine Corless, uncovered records indicating these children's remains were abandoned. The discussion explores the social and institutional failures in Ireland, the emotional responses of survivors, and the ongoing excavation aimed at uncovering buried truths. O'Neill sheds light on varying community reactions and the potential for other similar sites.

Marine ecologist Ben Fitzpatrick, a champion for the Ningaloo Coast, joins Adam Vaughan to discuss the critical need for conservation. Ben shares his childhood connections to this stunning region and its unique ecosystem, highlighting the endangered dugong and the biodiversity of coral reefs. He explains the concept of Hope Spots and underscores the risks of climate change and development. With support from Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, Ben emphasizes the necessity of ecological advocacy and the hope for marine recovery, aiming to protect this precious area for future generations.

Mehreen Khan, Economics Editor at The Times, dives deep into the powerful world of bond markets, revealing how they shape government actions amid political turmoil. She explores who invests in government bonds today, from banks to hedge funds, and discusses the volatility that emerged post-2021 due to inflation and central bank rate hikes. Mehreen also analyzes the implications for UK fiscal policy, the precarious state of Japan's bond market, and the intriguing dynamics between populism and bond traders, suggesting a potential collision course.

Caroline Wheeler, Political Editor of the Sunday Times and the journalist who broke the China spy case story, dives into the complexities of the case's sudden collapse. She discusses the blame game between the Government and the Crown Prosecution Service, questioning whether economic priorities influenced decisions. Wheeler shares insights on the roles of key players like Jonathan Powell and Matthew Collins, and examines how the case raises broader concerns about national security and media dynamics. A riveting exploration of politics, espionage, and accountability!

Emma Yeomans, a seasoned news reporter for The Times, sheds light on the harrowing realities of Channel crossings. She shares chilling accounts from distress calls, revealing the fears migrants face on a daily basis. Emma notes how overcrowding has surged, with boats often carrying over 100 people. She discusses the evolution of smuggler tactics and the heartbreaking stories that linger in her mind, like that of an Afghan family. The conversation dives deep into the complexities of rescue efforts and the urgent need for a viable solution to this ongoing crisis.

Gabrielle Weiniger, the Israel correspondent for The Times, shares her keen insights on the current situation in Tel Aviv following the release of hostages. She discusses the surprising public celebration and Trump's framing of his peace deal as a miracle. Yet, concerns loom over incomplete narratives, including rumors of missing bodies that could destabilize the situation. Gabrielle delves into Israel's political dynamics, the delicate balance of celebrations between Israelis and Palestinians, and the feasibility of lasting peace amidst deep-seated mistrust.

In this intriguing discussion, James Beal, Deputy Investigations Editor at The Times, dives into a controversial investigation surrounding parents accused of murdering their infants based on forensic evidence. He reveals alarming inconsistencies in the conclusions of a forensic expert, Professor Mangum, whose interpretations have faced scrutiny from judges and pathologists. Beal shares the tragic stories of mothers like Rose, explores conflicting expert opinions, and raises critical questions about the potential for miscarriages of justice in such grave cases.

For more than 40 years. Dame Jilly Cooper was the undisputed queen of the bonk buster, that glorious British blend of sex, scandal and social satire. As Britain says farewell to her, three Times journalists who loved, knew and even shared a glass of champagne with Jilly gather to remember the writer who made us laugh, blush and bonk - unapologetically.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests:Sophia Money-Coutts, features writer, The Times and,Rosamund Urwin, Media Editor, The Sunday TimesHost: Jane Mulkerrins.Producer: Dave Creasey.Read more:‘She told me she’d reread Riders and was shocked’ — Jilly Cooper’s best booksJilly Cooper: the woman who taught me about sexClips: BBC.Photo: Getty Pictures.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.