Episodes

  • S4 EP02 EDUCATIONAL INEQUALITY: Overcoming Barriers for Black Caribbean Youth with David Okoro and Chidera Nome

    S4 EP02 EDUCATIONAL INEQUALITY: Overcoming Barriers for Black Caribbean Youth with David Okoro and Chidera Nome
    Sep 30 2024

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    Institutional racism, socio-economic factors and low aspirations from teachers are causing boys of Caribbean descent to fail in school.

    That's the view of founder of The Westside and Lewisham Young Leaders Academies, by David Okoro.

    Children of black Caribbean descent face significant educational disparities, with lower achievement in GCSE, higher rates of exclusion and are more likely to end prison.

    The academies offer a range of programmes, including mentoring, leadership development, and exposure to successful black role models to raise confidence, aspirations, and skills among black youths.

    In this podcast David Okoro and Chidera Nomeh, a student at Westside Academy join Angela Walker to talk about the positive impact of the academies and to discuss the wider issue of what can be done to close the gap.

    The academies face funding challenges and rely on grants, donations, and volunteers to continue their work. David emphasises the need for government intervention and investment to address the systemic issues contributing to the underachievement of black young people.

    https://www.wylauk.com/

    Music credit: Moment of Inspiration by Purple Planet Music

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    39 mins
  • S4 EP01 MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE EXPOSED: The Death and Cover-Up of Robbie Powell and his Family's Fight for Justice with Will Powell and Sir Rob Behrens

    S4 EP01 MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE EXPOSED: The Death and Cover-Up of Robbie Powell and his Family's Fight for Justice with Will Powell and Sir Rob Behrens
    Sep 12 2024

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    What would you do if your child died as a result of medical negligence and doctors and the police colluded to cover it up?

    That's what happened in the case of ten-year-old Robbie Powell.

    His parents are campaigning for all healthcare professionals to be legally obligated to tell the truth following a negligent death.

    They're supported by the former Parliamentary Health Service Ombudsman Sir Rob Behrens CBE says: "Mr Powell was personally traduced by doctors, by regulators by the police service, by the Crown Prosecution Service, by politicians in a way which is just unacceptable. He was patronised and he never gave up."

    Robbie died from Addison's Disease. He could have been saved if doctors had carried out the necessary tests and informed the family of the risks. Instead, numerous medics failed him and spent 30 years covering it up.

    In this podcast Robbie's father Will Powell and Sir Rob Behrens join me to discuss the Powell family's relentless pursuit of truth and justice and the systemic failures that have deprived his family of justice for more than 30 years.


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    30 mins
  • S3 EP11 UK Race Riots - Far Right Extremists Protest Across the Country

    S3 EP11 UK Race Riots - Far Right Extremists Protest Across the Country
    Aug 7 2024

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    Racists are on the rampage in the UK, with over 100 far-right protests planned later today. I talk to Leroy of Caribbean heritage and Mo whose Indian family were immigrants about the impact of these attacks on their communities and the country as a whole. We discuss the historical context of racism in the UK and the need for accountability in the media and social media platforms. We also talk about the trauma and identity crisis caused by these events and the importance of standing up against racism. The conversation touches on the role of politicians, the police, and the need for swift action to address the spread of misinformation and protect vulnerable communities.

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    25 mins
  • S3 EP10 INFECTED BLOOD SCANDAL: Deaths, Gaslighting, Incompetence and the Fight for Justice with Clive Smith

    S3 EP10 INFECTED BLOOD SCANDAL: Deaths, Gaslighting, Incompetence and the Fight for Justice with Clive Smith
    Jun 1 2024

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    Thousands of patients were lied to and given blood products that infected them with HIV and Hepatitis.

    Doctors knowingly infected hundreds of children and then covered it up.

    @AngelaWalkerReportsInterviews

    Medical professionals and politicians put vulnerable patients at "unacceptable risk" the UK"s Infected Blood Inquiry report has found.

    More than 30,000 people were infected with contaminated blood products administered by the NHS in the 1970s and 80s.

    Join Angela Walker for a compelling, powerful and emotional discussion with Clive Smith, Chair of the Trustees of the Haemophilia Society, as we uncover the profound implications of the Infected Blood Inquiry's final report. Sir Brian Langstaff's findings reveal a scandalous decision in 1973 to license contaminated blood products, leading to preventable infections and a shocking cover-up by both medical professionals and government officials. Clive shares the deep personal and communal impact of this health crisis, emphasizing the conspiracy to conceal the truth and the failure to protect patients.

    The episode delves into the government's controversial response to the reports from Sir Robert Francis and Sir Brian Langstaff concerning victim compensation. Listeners will hear about the skepticism surrounding the government's rapid overnight response, the unprecedented measures taken to ensure accountability, and the ongoing political complexities, including the calling of a general election. We also address the emotional toll on the affected community and the significance of an effective compensation scheme for the victims and their families.

    Angela and Clive reflect on the historical context of the contaminated blood scandal, highlighting the political and administrative failures that perpetuated this tragedy. The conversation covers the harrowing experiences of those living with hemophilia, the tragic stories of co-infections with HIV and hepatitis C, and the broader systemic failures that allowed this disaster to occur. This episode is a testament to the resilience of the victims and their unwavering commitment to justice and patient safety.

    https://www.angelawalkerreports.com/

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    38 mins
  • S3 EP09 PUPPY FARM Camp Beagle and the dog factory where thousands of dogs are bred for toxicology tests

    S3 EP09 PUPPY FARM Camp Beagle and the dog factory where thousands of dogs are bred for toxicology tests
    May 19 2024

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    Two million scientific experiments were carried out on animals in the UK in 2022.

    More than four thousand Beagles were among them.

    Home office figures published in April 2024 show that in 2022 there were 175 cases of non-compliance to government regulations regarding the welfare of animals used in testing. More than 16,000 animals were affected. The government is promising to investigate.

    MBR Acres in Cambridgeshire is a puppy farm, where beagles are bred to be tested on with toxic chemicals.

    Campaigners say the practice is cruel, outdated and unnecessary. Proponents argue animal tests are essential for the advancement of science.

    Outside MBR Acres is an encampment of protesters who have lived at the site for almost three years. John Curtin is one of them. He explains how they obtained footage inside the top security site - and how he's been arrested for flying a small drone over the site.

    John tells us how he has seen hundreds of vans carrying dogs from site, which they have followed across the UK to their final destinations - science laboratories. He shares stories of animal rights group Animal Rising who have broken into the site and freed a number of dogs.

    I invited the following parties to participate in the podcast or provide a comment. They did not.

    MBR Acres
    Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, Andrew Griffith
    Professor David Main, Chair of the Animals in Science Committee
    MP for Huntingdon, Jonathan Djanogly
    MP for North West Cambridgeshire, Shailesh Vara


    https://thecampbeagle.com/

    https://www.animalrising.org/

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/animal-testing-debate-letter-to-andrew-griffith/animal-testing-debate-letter-to-andrew-griffith-accessible

    https://www.criver.com/about-us/about-us-overview/animals-research?region=3696







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    27 mins
  • S3 EP08 LIVING WITH HIV: Matthew Hodson on Overcoming Stigma and Advocating for Awareness and Testing

    S3 EP08 LIVING WITH HIV: Matthew Hodson on Overcoming Stigma and Advocating for Awareness and Testing
    May 5 2024

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    Around 100,000 people in the UK are living with HIV.

    75% of them say they face discrimination because of it. Why is that and what can be done about it?

    In this podcast episode, journalist Angela Walker interviews Matthew Hodson, Executive Director of the charity aidsmap about the stigma surrounding HIV and what can be done to address it. Matthew shares his personal story of being diagnosed with HIV in 1998 and discusses the progress that has been made in HIV treatment and life expectancy. He emphasises the importance of education and dispelling myths about HIV, as well as the need for positive role models and support for people living with HIV. The conversation also touches on the global stigma of HIV and the work of aidsmap in providing information and support.

    Takeaways:

    Stigma surrounding HIV still exists, but progress has been made in terms of treatment and life expectancy.

    Education and dispelling myths about HIV are crucial in addressing stigma.

    Positive role models and support for people living with HIV are important in changing perceptions.

    Visit the AIDSMAP wesbite: https://www.aidsmap.com/


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    27 mins
  • S3 EP07 PELVIC MESH SCANDAL: Deaths, Disabilities and Denials with Kath Sansom

    S3 EP07 PELVIC MESH SCANDAL: Deaths, Disabilities and Denials with Kath Sansom
    Apr 21 2024

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    Imagine going in for routine day surgery to help stop occasional bladder leaks and being left permanently disabled needing a wheelchair or stoma bag.

    That's what's happened to thousands of women around the world.

    When Kath Sansom of Sling the Mesh began her campaign, she never imagined it would resonate with so many. This episode brings Kath's emotional account of her personal struggles with pelvic mesh complications, revealing the depths of a medical disaster that has left countless lives in turmoil and even led some women to take their own lives.

    The conversation with Kath is both enlightening and heart-wrenching, as she discusses not only her own journey—from the debilitating aftermath of surgery to her powerful activism—but also the shared narratives of women facing similar battles.

    The physical and psychological scars left by mesh surgeries are profound . We delve into how these medical procedures have drastically altered lives, leaving individuals grappling with chronic pain, loss of mobility, and an array of systemic health problems and an inability to have sex leading to marriage breakdowns. Kath's insights into the ongoing fight for recognition, the quest for justice, and the stark increase in dependency on medications are eye-opening. This episode is an earnest exploration of the human cost of a healthcare crisis, shedding light on the resilience and determination of those who have been affected.

    Join us as we discuss the urgent need for financial redress and transparency in the healthcare system, and Kath's calls a Sunshine Payment Act. We touch on the stark differences in responses across the globe. Kath’s advocacy work with Sling the Mesh provides a beacon of support, offering resources for anyone affected by mesh. This episode is more than a conversation; it's a call to awareness and empathy for the victims of a widespread medical oversight that demands our attention and action.




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    31 mins
  • Under-reported news - investigating the stories mainstream media ignore

    Under-reported news - investigating the stories mainstream media ignore
    Apr 14 2024

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    A look forward to upcoming stories in the series Angela Walker in Conversation with topics ranging from animal testing to medical negligence.

    And a reminder of some of the stories we've covered so far - including disability discrimination and environmental destruction.

    Also, how you can get involved and support independent journalism.



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    3 mins