From the ‘Trump Baby’ to ‘Kill Tory Scum’ – why going straight to the source matters when it comes to protests

First-hand accounts aren’t always possible. Sometimes the person at a centre of a story is unreachable, or unwilling to relay it. But when they are, it can be just as impactful and informative as a news report

From analysis, to reaction pieces, to personal essays, it takes an array of perspectives to make Voices what it is. We hear from authorities on niche subjects on a regular basis, ordinary people with gripping, topical stories to tell, and more. But sometimes going straight to the source of a story is the best way to build on news that’s already been reported.

Take Donald Trump’s UK state visit, for example. It goes without saying that the divisive figure’s presence invites strong reactions. Last year, it came in the form of mass protests and that now world-famous baby Trump blimp. This year, it was much of the same, although the intensity of the protests seems to have ramped up marginally since the last time.

As soon as Buckingham Palace confirmed the visit in April, we knew these protests would occur. Hours after it had been announced, MPs threatened (and later followed through on their promise) to boycott the banquet we saw take place last week. And although it was only confirmed a few days before the US president’s arrival, we all knew (or at least hoped) the Trump baby would make its return to the London skies.