Best Bench Report PUK Podcasts (2025)

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

Play Pause

3h 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

11h 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

4h 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

1d 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

2d 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

3d 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

7d 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

7d 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

8d 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

13d 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

14d 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

16d 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

17d 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

15d 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

16d 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

22d 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

18d 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

21d 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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…

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UK Music Streaming Shake-Up: New Principles to Boost Artist Earnings 12:53

4M ago12:53

12:53

Today in this extedned episode, we discuss recent advancements in the UK music industry aimed at improving artist remuneration from music streaming. The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism announced new label-led principles agreed upon by major UK record labels and industry bodies. These measures are designed to boost earnings for le…

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Alcohol Late Night Levy Explained: Reforms and Your Business 5:39

4M ago5:39

5:39

The Late Night Levy is a charge on premises licensed to sell alcohol between midnight and 6 am in England and Wales. Implemented by local authorities, its primary purpose is to help fund policing costs for the late-night economy. At least 70% of the net revenue goes to the police, with the rest supporting local authority services that manage the ni…

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Cracking Down on UK Ticket Touting: What You Need to Know About Secondary Ticketing Laws 6:36

4M ago6:36

6:36

The complex world of secondary ticketing in the UK, where tickets for live events are resold, often at inflated prices. We explore the current legal landscape, including consumer protection laws and specific legislation designed to combat unfair practices like ticket harvesting by 'bots' and misleading pricing. Learn about the efforts of regulatory…

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School Allergies: Navigating UK Safeguarding & Support 6:26

4M ago6:26

6:26

This episode covers how UK schools safeguard children with allergies. We explore legal duties, like Section 100 of the Children and Families Act 2014 requiring support for pupils with medical conditions. Discover nation-specific guidance from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland on food standards and allergy management. Learn about allerg…

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Wild Camping: Rights, Responsibilities, and UK National Parks 5:37

4M ago5:37

5:37

This episode delves into wild camping in the UK, highlighting the Supreme Court's decision to uphold public wild camping rights on Dartmoor. The government supports outdoor access but has no current plans to extend guaranteed wild camping rights to other National Parks, allowing each to decide locally. A key distinction is made between responsible …

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UK Casino Regulations: Balancing Economic Growth & Gambling Harm 5:41

4M ago5:41

5:41

New UK regulations for land-based casinos aim to modernize rules and boost the economy. Changes include increased gaming machine allowances for 'converted casinos' and allowing them to offer betting. While supporting sector growth, the measures also introduce protections. However, parliamentary debate highlights concerns about potential increases i…

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Gibraltar Deal Unpacked: Sovereignty, Borders & The Future of The Rock 5:07

5M ago5:07

5:07

The UK and EU have reached a political agreement on Gibraltar, aiming to resolve post-Brexit border issues. This deal prevents a potentially chaotic hard border that would have impacted 15,000 daily commuters and Gibraltar's economy. Crucially, it protects British sovereignty over the Rock. The solution includes allowing fluid border crossings with…

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UK Asbestos Crisis: Why It's Still a Deadly Threat in Public Buildings 5:55

5M ago5:55

5:55

Despite being banned in 1999, asbestos remains the leading cause of over 5,000 UK work-related deaths annually, primarily from mesothelioma. It’s still widely present in non-domestic buildings like schools, hospitals, and commercial sites. While the policy has been to leave it undisturbed if in good condition, it naturally degrades, releasing deadl…

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Boosting Rural Economies: Challenges, Opportunities & Government Support 6:02

5M ago6:02

6:02

The critical debate surrounding Government support for businesses in rural areas, which are vital to the UK economy. Speakers highlight key challenges including poor public transport, inadequate digital connectivity, high energy costs, and workforce recruitment difficulties. Opportunities in agriscience and tourism are also discussed. Calls are mad…

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UK Disability Benefits: Poverty, PIP & Welfare Reform Debate 6:24

5M ago6:24

6:24

This episode explores the alarming poverty among UK disabled people, with 700,000 families already struggling. It highlights proposed government cuts to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit's health element, forecast to push hundreds of thousands into deeper hardship and cost them thousands annually. Critics argue these are poli…

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Unpacking the Prostate Cancer "Postcode Lottery": Abiraterone Access in the UK 6:40

5M ago6:40

6:40

Today we explore the critical issue of prostate cancer treatment, focusing on the drug abiraterone. A UK-developed breakthrough, it has transformed advanced prostate cancer care globally. However, its availability for men with non-metastatic prostate cancer varies widely across the UK. While routinely available in Scotland and Wales, men in England…