Best Bench Report PUK Podcasts (2025)

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What Are Public Inquiries and How Do They Work? (UK Law) 5:08

Play Pause

16h ago5:08

5:08

Public Inquiries are investigations set up by government ministers to respond to events of major public concern or to consider controversial public policy issues. We differentiate between statutory inquiries (governed by the Inquiries Act 2005, with powers to compel evidence) and non-statutory inquiries (which are more flexible but have fewer legal…

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Digital Disaster: Protecting Your Video Game Purchases and Cultural Heritage 5:07

1d ago5:07

5:07

A recent e-petition signed by nearly 190,000 people addressed the growing frustration of gamers regarding consumer rights and video games. Many modern titles are "live services" that rely on company servers; when these servers shut down, purchased games become unplayable, leading to a loss of consumer investment, time, and cultural heritage. We exp…

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Taxpayer Tackle: Who Pays the Bill for UK Football Policing? 6:02

3d ago6:02

6:02

Football policing across the UK costs tens of millions of pounds annually, with the taxpayer currently covering the majority of the expense. This episode explores the financial arrangement where local police forces generally meet these costs. However, under Section 25 of the Police Act 1996, police can charge clubs for "special police services" on …

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Stop Cowboy Builders: Why Licensing and Consumer Protection Reforms are Needed in the RMI Sector 4:51

6d ago4:51

4:51

There is an urgent need to protect consumers from rogue builders, particularly those operating in the Repair, Maintenance, and Improvement (RMI) sector. We explore how "dodgy builders" ruin lives, causing homeowners significant financial distress, with losses estimated at £14.3 billion over five years. The key learning objective is understanding wh…

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UK Wine Tax Crisis: Why High Alcohol Duty Hurts British Businesses and Consumers 5:32

7d ago5:32

5:32

The UK's high alcohol duty rates have had a severe impact on the nation's vital wine sector and hospitality industry. Parliamentarians note that tax now makes up over 60% of the cost of a bottle of wine, making the UK one of the most highly taxed wine markets globally. The shift to a strength-based (ABV) duty system is challenging for wine, an agri…

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Dyslexia Support Crisis: Why Early Diagnosis and a National Strategy are Essential 5:47

8d ago5:47

5:47

There remains an urgent need for improved support for dyslexic pupils across the UK. Dyslexia is a common neurological difference affecting about one in ten people, yet four in five dyslexic children leave school without formal identification. The debate highlights severe inequalities, noting that the cost of diagnosis (around £600) means diagnosis…

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Autistic Adults and Employment: Why Systems Must Change to Unlock Talent 5:48

9d ago5:48

5:48

Autistic adults face significant challenges in securing and maintaining meaningful employment, despite the majority expressing a strong desire to work. Current statistics show that only 34% of autistic people are in employment, a rate significantly lower than other disabled or non-disabled groups. Key themes include systemic barriers, such as burea…

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London Housing Crisis: Why House Building Collapsed and How Policy Changes Might Fix It 5:54

10d ago5:54

5:54

There has been a critical collapse of house building in London, where construction starts have dramatically fallen short of government targets. The debate centres on the Mayor's London Plan, which critics argue has failed due to its complexity and expensive demands, such as high affordable housing requirements (often 35% or 50%). We examine the res…

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Tackling Food Deserts: Access, Inequality, and the Fight for Nutritious Food 4:38

13d ago4:38

4:38

Today we discuss the widespread issue of inequality of access to fresh and nutritious food. "Food deserts," using Castlemilk, Glasgow, is a vivid example of a community where 15,000 residents lack a local supermarket, necessitating long, expensive journeys for basic healthy items like apples or bananas. Learning objectives include understanding how…

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Remembrance Day 2025: Honouring Veterans, Family Sacrifice, and Modern Military Challenges 4:45

14d ago4:45

4:45

Hear about the UK's observance of Remembrance Day 2025, honouring those who served, fought, and made the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts ranging from the First and Second World Wars to Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan. We discuss the lasting impact of war on friends, families, and communities, emphasizing that sacrifice is borne by the whole family. Ke…

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National Curriculum 2.0: Media Literacy, Triple Science, and Major Education Reform. 13:05

15d ago13:05

13:05

The UK Government has comprehensive plans to renew the national curriculum and assessment system, aiming to prepare students for the age of AI and hyperconnectivity. Key changes include delivering a curriculum rich in knowledge and skills, with a new statutory Year 8 reading test, boosting media, digital, and financial literacy, and ensuring a trip…

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The UK Parental Pay Crisis: Why Maternity and Paternity Rates Must Match the Living Wage 5:24

16d ago5:24

5:24

Learn about the crucial debate calling for Statutory Maternity and Paternity Pay (SMP/SPP) to be raised to the National Living Wage (NLW). Current rates leave families in financial hardship, with SMP falling 55% below the NLW after six weeks (£4.99/hour vs. £12.21/hour). We discuss how inadequate pay forces parents, especially mothers, to return to…

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Tackling Hoarding Disorder: A National Call for Compassion and Mental Health Support 6:04

17d ago6:04

6:04

Today we address the urgent and often misunderstood issue of Hoarding Disorder (HD), formally recognised in Britain in 2018 as a distinct mental health condition. HD is defined by persistent difficulty discarding possessions, regardless of value, leading to severely cluttered and distressed living spaces. Affecting an estimated 2% to 5% of the popu…

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Mandatory Digital ID: Balancing Control, Security, and Freedom in the UK 5:58

20d ago5:58

5:58

The UK Government has a plan to introduce a new, free digital ID for citizens and legal residents over 16. Proponents argue the system will give people greater control over their lives and data, modernising public services to be more effective and joined-up, while increasing security and tackling fraud. A key focus is making the ID mandatory for ri…

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Scotland Devolution at 25: Successes, Failures, and the Path Ahead 6:08

21d ago6:08

6:08

Today we recognise the 25th anniversary of devolution in Scotland, analyzing its successes and failures within the system of "multi-level governance". Speakers reflect on the Scottish Parliament's establishment in 1999, realizing the "settled will of the Scottish people", and noting initial achievements like free personal care and the smoking ban. …

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Korean War 75th Anniversary: Honouring UK Heroes and the Glosters' Defence 5:39

22d ago5:39

5:39

This episode commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, focusing on the crucial role of British servicemen. The UK provided the second-largest military contribution to the United Nations Command, with over 1,100 British lives lost. We explore the heroic stand of the "Glorious Glosters" at the Battle of the Imjin River in 1951, an action t…

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UK Post-16 Education Overhaul: V-Levels, Skills, and the Future of Technical Training 5:47

23d ago5:47

5:47

The UK Government is launching a new Post-16 Education and Skills Strategy to transform education in response to global changes, including the rise of AI and green energy. The strategy introduces V-levels, a new vocational qualification designed to simplify pathways alongside A-levels and T-levels. A new national ambition aims for two-thirds of you…

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Stroke Recovery Crisis: Why UK Rehab Services Are Failing Survivors 5:56

24d ago5:56

5:56

There are urgent challenges facing the 1.4 million stroke survivors in the UK. Speakers highlight that stroke is the leading cause of complex adult disability. The core theme is the severe lack of accessible community rehabilitation, often described as a "cliff edge" where support collapses six weeks post-hospital discharge. The debate urges invest…

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Protecting the Family Farm: The Inheritance Tax Battle over APR and BPR in Northern Ireland 6:59

27d ago6:59

6:59

There was a high-stakes parliamentary debate recently regarding proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) starting in April 2025. There are concerns that these reforms threaten the survival of family farms in Northern Ireland, a sector described as asset-rich but cash-poor. Opponents argue the changes…

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Self-Driving Revolution: Safety, Accessibility, and the Future of UK Transport 5:12

28d ago5:12

5:12

This episode explores the transformative potential of Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) in the UK, focusing on safety, accessibility, and economic growth. CAVs are projected to drastically improve road safety by avoiding up to 88% of collisions linked to human error. The industry could add £42 billion to the UK economy by 2035 and create 38,0…

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Ada Lovelace: Computer Pioneer, STEM Visionary, and Closing the Gender Gap 5:55

29d ago5:55

5:55

Discover the legacy of Ada Lovelace (b. 1815), the visionary mathematician recognized as a pioneer of computer science. She foresaw the Analytical Engine's potential as a general-purpose computer, capable of manipulating values beyond numbers, such as music. We explore how her genius was often unrecognized for generations. The episode highlights cu…

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NHS Cancer Crisis: Workforce Shortages, Waiting Times, and the Fight for Early Diagnosis 6:36

30d ago6:36

6:36

Critical staff shortages throughout the NHS—affecting specialists like radiologists, oncologists, and nurses—are significantly hindering cancer care. Workforce gaps contribute to severe delays in diagnosis and treatment, causing the UK to routinely miss key targets like the goal to start treatment within 62 days. We discuss the lethal consequences …

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School Attendance Fines vs. Family Wellbeing: The Debate Over Term-Time Holidays 5:56

1M ago5:56

5:56

Taking family holidays during the school term? Signatories argue that "predatory pricing" by holiday companies makes travel during official school breaks unaffordable, forcing parents to risk fines. While attendance is crucial for attainment—missing 10 days can halve a student's chance of grade success—critics argue fines are ineffective against pe…

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COP30: Why Transforming Global Food Systems is Crucial for Climate and Security 5:28

1M ago5:28

5:28

There is a critical connection between global food systems and the escalating climate crisis. Unsustainable agriculture drives high emissions (around 30% globally), biodiversity loss (up to 60%), and deforestation, threatening national food security. With COP30 approaching in Belém, Brazil, leaders are urged to place food systems at the heart of cl…

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The £360M Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund: Devolution, Disputes, and the Future of UK Fisheries 6:12

1M ago6:12

6:12

The UK Government announced the £360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund (FCGF) to support the fishing and seafood sectors, focusing on sustainability, profitability, and coastal regeneration over the next 12 years. The fund is designed to invest in new technology, skills, and promotion of seafood exports. Following stakeholder requests, the fu…

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Preventable Tragedies: Why UK Tree Maintenance Needs Chris's Law 7:49

1M ago7:49

7:49

Inadequate tree maintenance by local authorities is a critical issue. We focus on the tragic, preventable death of Chris Hall in 2020, killed by a decayed tree limb in Wilmslow. The responsible council, Cheshire East, was fined £500,000 for failing to have a formal maintenance strategy. Currently, regular tree inspection is voluntary, creating a le…

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Community Power & Investment: Unpacking the Labour Government's £5 Billion Pride in Place Programme 6:21

1M ago6:21

6:21

The Labour Government's £5 billion "Pride in Place" programme is designed to drive Britain’s renewal in every neighbourhood. The core mission is to restore local identity and belonging, reversing 14 years of decline and austerity. The strategy focuses on transferring power from Whitehall to local communities, primarily through Neighbourhood Boards …

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The Exam Crisis: Why Educational Assessment Reform is Crucial for Youth Mental Health 5:56

1M ago5:56

5:56

This episode explores the urgent need for educational assessment reform due to the profound impact high-stakes exams have on youth mental health. Current assessments, including SATs and concentrated end-of-course exams, are linked to overwhelming stress, anxiety, panic attacks, and even suicidal thoughts. The current system is criticized for priori…

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The UN at 80: Crisis, Cash, and the Future of Global Cooperation 13:05

1M ago13:05

13:05

The United Nations celebrates its 80th anniversary, marking eight decades since the UN Charter was signed in 1945. We examine the UN’s founding purposes, including maintaining international peace and promoting human rights. However, this milestone is overshadowed by a severe liquidity crisis resulting from member states, including Permanent Five (P…

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Fixing the UK's Broken SEND System: Parliament's Debate on Education Reform 14:37

3M ago14:37

14:37

UK Parliament recently debated on the crisis in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support, sparked by a petition with over 122,000 signatures. In this extended episode, Members of Parliament describe an adversarial system that is failing families with long delays, funding gaps, and emotional distress. Key themes include the urgent n…

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UK's National Trails at a Crossroads: Funding Cuts, Legal Battles & The Path Forward 5:45

3M ago5:45

5:45

Today we explore the critical condition of the UK's 16 National Trails, including the famous Thames Path and Ridgeway. We uncover the immense value these paths provide, contributing £1.8 billion to the economy and £300 million in health savings annually. However, these treasured assets face severe threats from a decade of real-terms funding cuts, a…

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London Fashion Week: More Than Just Clothes | UK's Cultural Powerhouse 5:27

3M ago5:27

5:27

This episode explores the huge cultural and economic impact of London Fashion Week. LFW is more than just a runway show. It’s a launchpad for new designers, a driver of billions for the economy, and a platform for social change. We'll cover how LFW champions sustainability, inclusivity through adaptive fashion, and inspires young creative talent ac…

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Fixing Britain's Railways: The Plan for Simpler, Fairer Fares 6:16

3M ago6:16

6:16

Ever felt confused or ripped off buying a train ticket? You're not alone. This episode explores why the UK's rail fare system, with 50 million different fares, is so complex and untrustworthy. We'll look at the government's plan to fix it, including new pay-as-you-go systems and flexible ticket trials on lines like LNER. We also cover the major cha…

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Remote UK Coastal Communities: Hidden Challenges & Vital Solutions 6:40

3M ago6:40

6:40

Remote UK coastal communities face unique, often hidden, challenges. Despite scenic beauty, these areas suffer from economic neglect, public service withdrawal, and high income deprivation. Key issues include geographical isolation, strain from seasonal tourism, a housing crisis from second homes, limited youth opportunities, and an aging populatio…

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The Future of Freeview: Protecting UK Terrestrial TV in a Digital Age 6:15

3M ago6:15

6:15

This episode explores the hidden threat to digital terrestrial television (Freeview), a vital, free, and universal service for 98.5% of the UK. With licences expiring in 2034, there's a significant debate about switching off Freeview and transitioning to internet-only streaming. We discuss why this could severely impact vulnerable communities, incl…

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Beyond the Breach: Understanding the JLR Cyber-Attack & UK's Cyber-Security Battle 6:10

3M ago6:10

6:10

The recent cyber-attack on Jaguar Land Rover severely disrupted production, impacting 34,000 UK employees and its extensive global supply chain. The UK Government, via the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), is actively supporting JLR and engaging daily with the company. This incident highlights a growing national challenge, with 40% of UK compa…

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Cricket's Future: Free-to-Air, The Hundred, & Participation Debate 4:27

3M ago4:27

4:27

This episode explores the impact of free-to-air broadcasting on cricket participation. The Hundred attracts new, younger audiences and funding, but faces criticism for alienating traditional fans and crowding the calendar. While free-to-air events like the 2005 Ashes and 2019 World Cup significantly boost participation, especially for women and gir…

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UK Steel in Crisis: Liberty Speciality Steels Liquidation & Government's Path Forward 5:50

3M ago5:50

5:50

This episode details the High Court's compulsory winding-up order against Liberty Speciality Steels, leading to its liquidation. The UK government affirms its support for affected workers and communities, with the Official Receiver now managing operations to stabilise the business. We explore why the government didn't intervene sooner, contrasting …

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Pavement Parking Ban UK: Enhancing Pedestrian Safety & Accessibility for All 5:38

3M ago5:38

5:38

Pavement parking in England is a critical issue, where vehicles obstruct footways, endangering vulnerable pedestrians like disabled people, parents, and those with sight loss. While London and Scotland have clear bans, England faces inconsistent rules. There's a strong call for a default national prohibition with local exceptions to clarify laws an…

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Diabetes in Sport: Tackling Stigma, Building Inclusion & Unlocking Athlete Potential 6:23

3M ago6:23

6:23

Physical activity is a powerful tool for managing diabetes and preventing serious health complications. However, there are significant barriers faced by people with diabetes, especially young athletes, including stigma, misunderstanding, and a lack of support from coaches, schools, and sporting bodies. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for …

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Baby Allergy Guidance Review: Preventing Allergies in Infants 6:41

3M ago6:41

6:41

A proposed Bill seeks to review allergy guidance for feeding and weaning babies in the UK. Spearheaded by Becky Gittins, an allergy sufferer herself, the Bill addresses the increasing rates of allergic diseases in the UK. It highlights that current NHS guidance on introducing allergy-triggering foods, such as peanuts and eggs, may be outdated compa…

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Unpacking Short Money: How UK Opposition Parties Get Funded 9:46

4M ago9:46

9:46

Short Money is public funding enabling opposition parties in the House of Commons to conduct parliamentary business. Since 1975, it covers operations, travel, and the Leader of the Opposition's office. Learn its allocation by seats and votes, rules for small parties, and transparency requirements. We also cover Cranborne Money for the House of Lord…

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NHS Winter Pressures Explained: Challenges, Solutions, & 2025/26 Plans 7:44

4M ago7:44

7:44

The NHS in England faces critical challenges during winter, including increased pressures on accident and emergency (A&E) departments and ambulance services. We’ll discuss the acute pressures experienced in winter 2024/25, including record A&E waits and ambulance delays. The episode highlights strategies to address these issues, such as prevention,…

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UK Voting Systems Unpacked: A Guide to How We Vote 6:47

4M ago6:47

6:47

Explore the diverse voting systems used across the UK, moving beyond First-Past-The-Post (FPTP). Since 1997, various systems like Additional Member System (AMS), Single Transferable Vote (STV), and Alternative Vote (AV) have been introduced for devolved and local elections. Learn where each system is currently applied, such as FPTP for UK Parliamen…

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Votes at 16: The UK's Electoral Age Debate 6:04

4M ago6:04

6:04

Today, we examine the UK's voting age debate. Currently, it's 18 for UK-wide elections, but 16 for devolved elections in Scotland and Wales. The UK Government plans to reduce the age for reserved elections to 16 by the next general election. We discuss arguments for, such as boosting youth engagement and aligning with other rights, and arguments ag…

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Social Media Misinformation: UK Parliament Demands Tech Accountability 6:13

4M ago6:13

6:13

New! Watch this episode as a video presentation on YouTube! The UK Science, Innovation and Technology Committee highlights the severe real-world dangers of online misinformation, citing the 2024 Southport riots as a stark example. The existing Online Safety Act 2023 is deemed outdated, failing to address new threats like generative AI and regulatin…

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Unpacking Solutions to Plastic Pollution & Building a Circular Economy 8:28

4M ago8:28

8:28

There is an urgent need for a Global Plastics Treaty to tackle pervasive plastic pollution, projected to triple by 2060. A legally binding international agreement is crucial, addressing plastic throughout its lifecycle. Key themes include prioritizing reducing virgin plastic production over relying on inefficient recycling. We discuss the invisible…

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Understanding Your NHS Health Data: Access, Sharing, and AI 8:09

4M ago8:09

8:09

This episode discusses NHS patient health records, focusing on your rights to access and privacy and how data is shared for care, research, and legal needs. We explore the NHS's shift towards electronic and "single patient records" via the NHS App. Learn about public perceptions, cybersecurity, and AI's role in managing health data. Understand how …

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UK Timeshares: Unpacking Common Problems & Consumer Protections 8:03

4M ago8:03

8:03

The often-complex world of timeshares for UK owners. We explore common challenges like excessive annual fees, difficulties with resale, and obstacles when trying to exit contracts, especially those with in-perpetuity clauses. The discussion also covers concerns around the mis-selling of fractional ownership products. You'll learn about the UK regul…

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The Future of UK Public Libraries: Community Lifelines, Funding & Strategy 7:33

4M ago7:33

7:33

Public libraries are vital community hubs, evolving beyond books to offer digital learning, enterprise support, and wellbeing services. Despite their immense value, they face significant funding cuts and closures across the UK. There's a strong call for a national strategy for public libraries, supported by robust data, to ensure their long-term su…