February 22, 2022

Competitive cheerleading, Criminal records, Professor Clare Chambers

56 minutes

One in six people in England and Wales have a criminal record. A new campaign #Fairchecks spearheaded by charities Transform Justice and Unlock reveals the experiences of women whose lives have been ruined by minor offences as much as 30 years on. To coincide with the Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Bill, going through the final stages of parliament, they are asking for amendments to shorten the time people must disclose their conviction, helping to give some people’s a fairer chance at a fresh start. Emma is joined by Rachel, now 36, who acquired a criminal record at the age of 19, and by Angela Cairns, CEO of Unlock.

Do we change our bodies because we want to or because we are being pressured to conform by society? Cambridge Professor of Political Philosophy Clare Chambers considers this question and concludes that the unmodified body is under attack, particularly for women, who are constantly given the message that their body is not good enough just as it is. Her new book is Intact – A Defence of the Unmodified Body.

Last September the Children’s code came into effect in the UK. Its purpose is to protect children's online data. Instagram and Apple are amongst nine tech firms under investigation by the Information Commissioner for breaches of the Code - following complaints lodged by the charity 5Rights which fights for children's digital rights. Emma is joined by its founder Baroness Beeban Kidron.

The reputation of cheerleading has changed in recent years thanks to programmes such as Netflix docuseries Cheer and its recognition as an official Olympic sport. Emma discusses its growing popularity in the UK with Team England coach Angela Green and cheerleader (and engineer) Pokuwa Strong.

Presenter: Emma Barnett

Producer: Lucinda Montefiore

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