logo
Gerry Adams vs the BBC: ‘I am here to defend the journalism,' reporter tells ‘smear' trial

Gerry Adams vs the BBC: ‘I am here to defend the journalism,' reporter tells ‘smear' trial

latest |
Costs rise to €1m in case brought by ex-Sinn Féin leader over allegations about murder of party official
As Declan Doyle, one of Gerry Adams's senior counsel, cross-examined the editor of BBC's Spotlight programme last week, he asked her about directions she had given the actor who voiced 'Martin', the pseudonym for an ex-IRA/Sinn Féin man turned British spy.
It was 'Martin', wearing a baseball cap and with his appearance obscured by a piece of glass, who alleged in a 2016 Spotlight documentary that Gerry Adams had authorised the 2006 killing of Denis Donaldson, a Sinn Féin official, months after he confessed to being a British spy.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

'No casualties': GHF repeatedly denies killings on Gaza aid distribution sites
'No casualties': GHF repeatedly denies killings on Gaza aid distribution sites

ITV News

time28 minutes ago

  • ITV News

'No casualties': GHF repeatedly denies killings on Gaza aid distribution sites

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has repeatedly denied reports of any killings on its aid distribution sites in Gaza. Since launching operations in May, GHF's large-scale distribution sites - backed by Israel and the US - have become magnets for violence. Nearly 1,400 people have died while seeking food; 859 in the vicinity of the GHF sites and 514 along the routes of food convoys, according to the latest figures from the United Nations (UN). Speaking to ITV News, GHF spokesperson Chapin Fay claims there have been no casualties on any of the group's four aid sites and claims the numbers coming from the UN are "unreliable". "We have had no casualties on our sites. We have never had any casualties except for two incidents of terrorist attacks." The UN recorded deaths are often attributed to Israeli fire - including gunshots and teargas - while the GHF has also been criticised for crowd control incidents and stampedes. Mr Fay reiterated that GHF security personnel "do not shoot at people and do not use live fire for crowd control." "They have never shot at anyone. During a war, every casualty is regrettable, but they don't happen on our sites. And there's no question people are walking sometimes too far for aid." When questioned over the deaths of people who were killed on the journey to GHF aid sites, he added: "We push the IDF to deconflict and to make the rest of Gaza outside of our sites safe. "We push for more humanitarian zones. There's no question that it's a war zone. And this is a very complex, if not the most complex, humanitarian crisis of our lifetime. And it's happening." The GHF describes its mission as "alleviating the suffering" of Gaza's population by the swift delivery of aid, ensuring the territory's population can live with "dignity". But some of those who have worked inside the operation say the reality on the ground can be dangerously disordered. last month that there is 'a whole culture of just winging it' and 'a lot of bad practice'. He recalled an evacuation where 'both of the heads of the Palestinians snapped back and then dropped' after Israeli soldiers were seen running and shouting at "two people that were dressed in regular clothing". The GHF rejected the claims at the time, describing Gaza as an "active war zone". British surgeon Nick Maynard spent four weeks working inside Nasser Hospital in Gaza. He previously told ITV News that there is a pattern of body parts being targeted by gunshots, "almost as if a game is being played".

TV star hits out at BBC over 'disgraceful' Strictly Come Dancing snub
TV star hits out at BBC over 'disgraceful' Strictly Come Dancing snub

The National

time38 minutes ago

  • The National

TV star hits out at BBC over 'disgraceful' Strictly Come Dancing snub

Narinder Kaur, a broadcaster, author and social commentator, claimed the BBC was demonstrating "unconscious bias and prejudicial views against British brown women". In a video captioned "BBC can literally kiss my ass", Kaur (below) criticised the broadcaster's decision to platform Thomas Skinner, a former Apprentice contestant turned controversial social media personality. (Image: Lucy North / PA) In her video, Kaur said: "I am so raging right now with the BBC, I'm so over the BBC. "Like you've just apologised to Robert Jenrick, and you've just taken on Thomas Skinner for Strictly Come Dancing." Kaur was referring to an apology which was issued by the BBC to the shadow justice secretary after a contributor on its Radio 4 Today programme accused him of "xenophobia". She continued: "Now I'll tell you my problem here, and you're gonna say, 'oh, she's so bitter, oh she's so–'. You can say that, do that all day long, I'm okay with that. READ MORE: BBC radio host quickly cuts off caller after 'complicit in genocide' comments "Strictly Come Dancing wouldn't take me on. We approached them, and I was told by a producer I was a little bit too controversial, you know, 'we don't need that for the show'. I accept that. "And they put on brown women every single time, brown or black women who are quiet, who don't have opinions, because that's the kind of brown women they accept – that's what their audience likes. "But God forbid you're a brown woman who has some opinions, then they'll never take you on. "But if you're a white man - Thomas Skinner, proud patriot, of the online right, who's got a criminal past charged with theft – you're alright." In 2011, Skinner was sentenced in court for handling 4992 tubes of Body Shop cleansing gels amounting to almost £40,000, as well as possessing 2000 diazepam tablets. Kaur shared the video on social media, writing: "Apparently I was deemed too controversial for @bbcstrictly because they only hire quiet brown and black women that fit in a box. "But you can be a white man AND be controversial and you'll be hired on the spot! Hello Thomas Skinner!! "#BBCStrictly your unconscious bias and prejudicial views against British brown women is disgraceful." Apparently I was deemed too controversial for @bbcstrictly because they only hire quiet brown and black women that fit in a box. But you can be a white man AND be controversial and you'll be hired on the spot! Hello Thomas Skinner!!#BBCStrictly your unconscious bias and… — Narinder Kaur (@narindertweets) August 14, 2025 Skinner replied to the video, saying: "Narinder, I respect that you stand up for what you believe in, not everyone's got the guts to do that. Yes, I've got a past, but I'm not here to divide people. I'm just trying to get people to believe in themselves and realise they can do more than they think. READ MORE: Scots schoolgirl named on Time's first Girls of the Year list for solar panel blanket "Life can be so much better when you let happiness in and don't always be angry towards others. If I've ever upset you, I'm sorry… that's never been my intention. I wish ya nothing but peace, happiness, and a life you can truly enjoy. Bosh [heart emoji]." Narinder responded: "I don't mind you have a criminal past.. you know I turned up for you. "But you DO divide.. I try to make this country fair ALL COMMUNITIES..I fight against the racism you seem to support recently." The BBC has been contacted for comment.

Hiring: New Statesman Events Producer
Hiring: New Statesman Events Producer

New Statesman​

timean hour ago

  • New Statesman​

Hiring: New Statesman Events Producer

About the job The New Statesman is the leading progressive political and cultural magazine in the United Kingdom. Celebrated for its dynamic and liberal politics, intelligence, diverse opinions, and high-quality writing and analysis, it remains committed to truth-telling and journalistic excellence in the modern era. Our goal is to expand our international coverage, analysing and explaining the defining political, economic, cultural, technological, and social issues of our time. Our group's titles span a wide range of topics from consumer luxury to capital markets. Role overview We are seeking an Events Producer to join our team. Reporting to the Head of Event Content, you will play a pivotal role in producing the New Statesman's multi-million-pound events portfolio. From one-day conferences featuring key figures in British politics to private roundtables in Westminster, you will engage with senior policymakers and contribute to the New Statesman's growing party conference fringe line-up at Labour and Conservative party conferences. Collaborating with commercial partners, you will curate editorially robust fringe sessions that meet client expectations. Your focus will span regional development, healthcare, energy, climate change, and business. Key deliverables Produce and project manage the New Statesman's core and bespoke event portfolio, including full-day conferences, client roundtables, and fringe events. Research and write cutting-edge agendas and synopses that are editorially robust and commercially viable. Recruit high-level speakers and develop strong relationships with policymakers, industry executives, and clients. Work closely with internal stakeholders to drive new product development and identify opportunities, scaling existing events and creating new ones. Demonstrate event goals, USP, target audience, and commercial opportunities to all stakeholders. Provide regular updates to project stakeholders, including editorial, commercial, and marketing teams. Forge close relationships with NS journalists to refine event ideas and ensure they reflect our editorial standards. Produce clear and concise briefing documents for speakers and event moderators in advance of events. Assist with creating original and innovative marketing copy to drive delegate engagement and create event buzz. Support the sales team on sponsor calls to align commercial partners with editorially driven content. Qualifications, skills and experience Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe Previous events production experience, ideally in the politics and policy space. A keen and deep interest in politics and the current affairs landscape. Commercially minded with a track record in producing profitable events. Ability to adopt a consultative approach when dealing with speakers and sponsors. Excellent organisational, communication, research, and interpersonal skills. Diligent, well-organised, and able to manage time and work well under pressure. Articulate and creative copywriting skills. Strong project management skills. Company benefits 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays) Additional days off for your birthday, health and well-being day and volunteering day Hybrid working arrangements Subscription to NS publications and all other online content Access to a discounted shopping program Cycle to work scheme Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay Enhanced company sick pay after probation The New Statesman values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. Please inform the hiring manager if you require any reasonable adjustments so that you can fully participate in the recruitment process. Please note, candidates must have, or be able to independently obtain, the right to live and work in the United Kingdom as we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. Please send a CV and covering letter to Related

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store