Home affairs and security journalist and author
I am a UK-based freelance journalist focused on home affairs, security, justice and crime. I write for multiple news outlets and also appear on television, radio and podcasts.
My first book, Plotters: The UK Terrorists Who Failed, came out in 2023 and a new, fully updated, second edition will be published in paperback in December.
Writing
I am an experienced journalist who can be commissioned for news articles and features in a range of formats and styles. I am a frequent contributor to UK newspapers and magazines, in print and online.
Broadcast
I make frequent appearances on live radio to report on and analyse major news events. I also give interviews, both live and pre-recorded, for television news programmes, documentaries and podcasts.
Speaking
I am an adaptable speaker and panel host for conferences, debates and events, for example at the Institute for Government, Frontline Club and Counter Terror Expo.
Teaching
I am a visiting guest lecturer at City, University of London. I teach the security and crime module for masters’ journalism courses.
WHERE MY WORK HAS APPEARED
Plotters: The UK Terrorists Who Failed
My book explores the changing nature of terrorism in Britain since 2017, from the impact of Isis inspiring lone attackers, to the rise of neo-Nazis and the chaotic threat landscape we now find ourselves in. It tells the story of would-be terrorists of all kinds and how their attacks were prevented.
The hardback was released in March 2023 and can be purchased here. A new, fully updated, second edition is being published in paperback in December 2024 and can be pre-ordered below.
About me
My first experience in journalism was in 2005, when I converted my school work experience at a local newspaper into paid freelance work around that year’s general election.
I studied English and Related Literature at the University of York, and after graduating gained the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism from News Associates in London.
In 2012, I started working for local London newspapers owned by Archant, and wrote for titles including the Ilford Recorder, Romford Recorder and Bromley Times over the following two years. I left my post as lead reporter for the Ilford Recorder in 2014 to join The Independent, where I worked until going freelance in late 2023.
My positions at The Independent included home affairs editor (2021-23), home affairs and security correspondent (2017-21), senior reporter (2016-17) and previously I was a reporter focused on Isis-related terrorism and the European refugee crisis.
My full qualifications and job history can be viewed on my LinkedIn profile here.