The State of Us – Details, episodes & analysis

A new way of talking and learning about the news in Northern Ireland.

Tara Mills and Declan Harvey react and reflect on the stories that impact all our lives and speak to those who can help us understand why we’re in the state we’re in.

There’ll be lots of candid conversations, special guests, with wisdom, informality and some fun along the way.

Nothing will be off the table on “The State of Us”. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Victims of a former school welfare officer who was convicted of sexual assault and grooming have told ‘The State of Us’ they believe their school didn’t do enough to prevent the abuse. Neil Beckett groomed the schoolgirls and used his position as a welfare officer at Lagan College in Belfast to access vulnerable young women. He was found guilty on 17 counts last December. Lagan College have told the BBC “We pay tribute to the bravery of those pupils who came forward and we assure you that the school acted properly and promptly and in accordance with Lagan College’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, which adheres to Department of Education guidance, at all times”. Two young women, who've spoken to us anonymously, believe the school wasted crucial opportunities to safeguard pupils from harm. Get in touch: thestateofus@bbc.co.uk If you’ve been affected by the topics in this episode, help is available at www.bbc.co.uk/actionline

Tara Mills and Declan Harvey take on the tricky trans rights debate in today’s episode of The State of Us. Two local councils have become embroiled in the discussion. Where does the law stand in Northern Ireland, and what might be coming next?

They also chat about how the media reports on trans issues, and when the BBC has had to grapple with editorial decisions in this area.

Also on this episode: Declan’s dodgy ties and Tara’s TV trolling.

Get in touch: thestateofus@bbc.co.uk

This is an edited (mid-June 2025) version of our original recording. It includes some additional information about the statement that had been issued by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and reflects listener feedback about our discussion.

The west Belfast rap band Kneecap have dominated recent headlines. Tara Mills and Declan Harvey chat about why there is a such a tie between Northern Ireland and Israel/Gaza. Dr Julie Norman from University College London gives us the very latest from the Middle East.

Also on today’s episode:

Our BBC complaint of the week – should a BBC TV news presenter be allowed to wear trainers?

Contact us: thestateofus@bbc.co.uk

The Department of Health tells The State of Us podcast that the Health Minister will make an announcement on the availability of weight loss medication in Northern Ireland ‘shortly’.

Marc McKee’s GP told him, aged 34, that he would be lucky to live to see his 40th birthday. Since then, he’s lost 9 stone in 9 months using weight loss injections.

He says the drugs have been ‘life changing’.

There are two drugs on the market - semaglutide, marketed under the brand name Wegovy, and tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro. Semaglutide is also used in the type 2 diabetes treatment Ozempic.

Tara Mills and Declan Harvey chat about the latest research in this area, and hear from Marc about how it has impacted both his physical and mental health.

Get in touch: thestateofus@bbc.co.uk

If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this website, help is available at www.bbc.co.uk/actionline

A member of Irish language hip-hop group Kneecap has been charged with a terror offence after allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London gig.

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, 27, has been charged by the Metropolitan Police after an incident on 21 November 2024 at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London.

Mr Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 18 June.

In a statement posted on social media, Kneecap said: "We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves."

Also on today’s episode:

Julie Ann McIlwaine, of Hazel Close, Lagmore, stabbed James Joseph Crossley, 38, while he slept at her former home in Filbert Drive in Dunmurry on 2 March 2022.

The 34-year-old had admitted to killing Mr Crossley but denied his murder.

Her sister, Rachel McIlwaine, tells Tara Mills and Declan Harvey a "loss of control" defence should have been accepted in the case.

During the trial the court heard how Julie Ann McIlwaine and James Joseph Crossley were in a relationship marred by domestic abuse and coercive control.

If you’ve been affected by anything in this episode: www.bbc.co.uk/actionline

Get in touch: thestateofus@bbc.co.uk

After four weeks of evidence in Dublin, the jury in Gerry Adams' libel case against the BBC is expected to be sent out to consider its findings soon.

He is suing over a 2016 Spotlight programme and online report in which an anonymous source alleged the former Sinn Féin leader sanctioned the murder of a British agent, Denis Donaldson.

Mr Adams, 76, denies the claim.

Hit subscribe to get our next episode once the jury reaches their verdict.

Get in touch: thestateofus@bbc.co.uk

An extra episode of The State of Us.

Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams wins his libel case against the BBC and is awarded €100,000 (£84,000) in damages.

Tara Mills and Declan Harvey talk to BBC Crime and Justice Correspondent Julian O’Neill who has covered everyday of the high profile case and former BBC Political Editor Mark Devenport who has written a book about Gerry Adams.

Mr Adams sued the BBC over a 2016 Spotlight programme and online report in which an anonymous source alleged he sanctioned the murder of a British agent, Denis Donaldson.

The BBC argued the words were couched as allegations – but Mr Adams argued they were presented as fact.

Gerry Adams was the president of Sinn Féin from 1983 until 2018 - he has consistently denied being a member of the IRA.

Get in touch: thestateofus@bbc.co.uk

NI porn star Meghan O’Neill says that because of her career, she has been treated worse than the man who murdered her brother.

In The State of Us podcast today, Meghan talks about how she explains what she does to her kids, her thoughts on any future relationships and how she balances work with living in a small town in Northern Ireland.

She earns good money on Only Fans and through pornography.

She’s also calling for decriminalisation of the sex industry in Northern Ireland.

If you've been affected by anything in this episode - www.bbc.co.uk/actionline

Get in touch: thestateofus@bbc.co.uk

The high-profile loyalist Winston Irvine is in the UVF wing of Maghaberry Prison after he was given a two and a half year sentence for firearm and ammunition offences.

The 49-year-old of Ballysillan Road in north Belfast will spend half of his sentence in custody and half on licence.

At Belfast Crown Court, his co-accused Robin Workman, 54, of Shore Road, Larne was also sentenced to five years; half to be served on licence.

Both men previously pleaded guilty to possessing firearms and ammunition in suspicious circumstances.

Neither were charged under terrorism offences, so why has Winkie Irvine been placed on the UVF wing of the prison?

And why, in 2025, do we have separated wings in our prison system at all?

Also on today’s episode:

Northern Ireland-born fashion designer Jonathan Anderson has announced he is to take on the role of creative director of both women's and men's collections at Dior. He has stepped down from his role at Loewe after more than 10 years in the job.

The 40-year-old, who was born in Magherafelt in County Londonderry, said it was a "great honour" to take on the role.

He is set to debut his first collection, Dior Men Summer 2026, during Paris Fashion Week on 27 June.

Get in touch: thestateofus@bbc.co.uk