Best Echr Podcasts (2026)

British politics is entering a new and unstable era. In this Whitehall Sources New Year special, we're joined by Luke Tryl of More in Common. Calum Macdonald, political strategist Jo Tanner and former No.10 adviser Kirsty Buchanan, to break down the biggest polling stories of 2025 and what they mean for 2026’s critical elections. 🔍 In this episode:…

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168. A Climate Special: Populism, Security, and Leadership 59:55

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8m ago59:55

59:55

Can the planet sustain infinite economic growth, or is GDP a flawed metric? Is the UK genuinely decarbonising, or is it simply outsourcing its pollution? How can politicians defeat the populist narrative that Net Zero is too expensive? In this Climate Special, we hear the best bits from Rory and Alastair's interviews with Professor Dieter Helm, Mar…

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Christmas Special: Political Chaos, Trump, Ukraine & 2026 Predictions 39:10

1d ago39:10

39:10

The Whitehall Sources Christmas Special takes a hard look back at one of the most turbulent years in British and global politics — and asks what comes next. Calum Macdonald, former No.10 adviser Kirsty Buchanan and political strategist Jo Tanner unpack the defining moments of 2025: The Labour welfare rebellion that exposed Keir Starmer’s leadership…

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167. Faith, Depression, and Finding Calm in the Chaos (Professor Mark Williams) 1:05:25

10d ago1:05:25

1:05:25

From Parliament to Prison, how can people find calm in chaotic environments? How does one cope with grief during the festive period? What are some successful ways to combat depression? Rory and Alastair are joined by clinical psychologist and ordained Minister, Mark Williams, to answer all these questions and more. Please note, this podcast episode…

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Keir Starmer Reset? Labour Rebellion, Jury Trials Backlash & Interest Rate Cuts 32:47

7d ago32:47

32:47

Is Keir Starmer heading for another reset in January — and will it work? In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, former No.10 special adviser Kirsty Buchanan and political strategist Jo Tanner examine the growing pressure on the Labour leadership as 2026 looms. The panel breaks down: Why Labour MPs are rebelling over proposals to res…

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Spotlight on the Fair Work Agency // Employment & Incentives 14:11

7d ago14:11

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Episode 3: Introducing the Employment Rights Act 2025 Speakers: Nick Marshall, Avani Agarwal, Hayley Tennant A major shift in the enforcement of employment rights is on its way with the creation of the new Fair Work Agency. In our podcast, we unpick the key aspects of the new body, including: Employment rights and protections within its remit. Not …

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Changes to harassment laws // Employment & Incentives 14:15

7d ago14:15

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Episode 2: Introducing the Employment Rights Act 2025 Speakers: Kloe Halls, Anjali Raval, Alice Dunn Workplace harassment laws are set for the biggest overhaul in over a decade under the new Employment Rights Act 2025 (“ERA 2025”). In our podcast, we discuss how employers can prepare for the four headline changes: Strengthening the duty to prevent …

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The new Employment Rights Act 2025 // Employment & Incentives 16:34

7d ago16:34

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Episode 1: Introducing the Employment Rights Act 2025 Speakers: Nick Marshall, Kloe Halls, Julie Toal In our podcast, we discuss the changes affecting employers in the following areas and how to prepare: > Unfair dismissal > Contractual variations > Workplace harassment > Collective redundancy > The Fair Work Agency…

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166. John Swinney: Identity, Independence, and The Future of Scotland 1:14:54

11d ago1:14:54

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What is the future of the Scottish independence movement? How does the SNP rebuild trust and support for independence after a series of bruising scandals? Why did the Scottish First Minister feel disrespected by a series of Conservative Prime Ministers? Alastair and Rory are joined by Scottish First Minister John Swinney to answer all this and more…

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Demystifying the UK honours system 59:39

23d ago59:39

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The UK awards hundreds of honours each year to mark notable achievements and contributions to society. These awards – such as knighthoods, damehoods, and OBEs – can be a source of pride and a cause of controversy. So how are people chosen for these honours? How does the system work behind the scenes? And could it be improved? Ahead of the New Year …

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165. Anna Wintour: Culture, Influence, and the Power of Decisive Leadership 1:13:54

18d ago1:13:54

1:13:54

Why should everybody get fired at least once? As the former Editor-in-chief of American Vogue, how does Anna Wintour use fashion as a cultural and economic force? Why is Anna’s leadership style defined by the speed of her decision making? Rory and Alastair are joined by Fashion icon Anna Wintour to answer all this and more. Gift The Rest Is Politic…

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Is Starmer Secretly Planning a New Brexit Deal? 45:47

26d ago45:47

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Brexit is back on the agenda — and this week’s Whitehall Sources dives deep. Former No10 adviser Kirsty Buchanan, political strategist Jo Tanner, and Calum Macdonald break down whether Keir Starmer is quietly preparing the UK for a new customs arrangement with the EU – and what that actually means. We analyse: 🔹 Starmer’s recent speeches hinting at…

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Investor Citizenship - Case C-181/23 Commission v Malta: CELS Roundtable Discussion 57:24

22d ago57:24

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Case C-181/23 Commission v Malta (investor citizenship) is one of the most important decisions the Court has handed down on EU citizenship. It is of significant interest not just because of the issues raised, but because of the reasoning of the Court and the Court’s view of citizenship in the EU legal order. This seminar provides the opportunity to…

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EU Omnibus I: next steps on changes to CSRD and CSDDD // ESG 10:28

24d ago10:28

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In this podcast, James Marlow and Tom Cobbaert discuss next steps on changes to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) under the Omnibus I package now that the European Parliament and Council have agreed their respective negotiation positions and trilogues have starte…

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164. Zack Polanski: Do The Greens Have What It Takes? 1:19:42

25d ago1:19:42

1:19:42

Why has Green party membership exploded since Zack Polanski became leader in September? What radical economic reforms is he fighting for? Why have the Greens stopped talking about the environment? Alastair and Rory are joined by Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, to answer all this and more. Gift The Rest Is Politics Plus this Christmas - gi…

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UK Budget 2025 Fallout: “Chaos, Tax Pain & Political Survival” 48:14

27d ago48:14

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Two days after Rachel Reeves delivered her first budget, Calum Macdonald and former No.10 special adviser Kirsty Buchanan break down what really happened — from the OBR leak, to the tax rises, to the political strategy behind one of the most controversial fiscal events in years. Economist Simon French (Panmure Liberum) joins to assess: • Why the ma…

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Controversial Contemporary Direct Effect: Directives and Beyond: CELS Lunchtime Seminar 53:07

29d ago53:07

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Speaker: Professor Daniele Gallo, Luiss University, Italy Abstract: The seminar, building upon Professor Gallo’s book, Direct Effect in EU Law (EU Law Library Series, OUP, 2025), will explore the uneasy trajectories of a transformative doctrine such as direct effect. By reassessing both the present and future of this legal and political construct, …

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Behind the scenes on Budget Day 1:00:44

30d ago1:00:44

1:00:44

Calum and Kirsty are joined by James Chapman, who was an adviser to Chancellor George Osborne; and Karim Palant who was an adviser to Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls, to take you behind the scenes of budget day. James tells us how the budget is even decided - including one measure that was kept secret from the Cabinet - they only found out about it when…

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163. Prison Reform, Masculinity, and Restorative Justice (James Graham and Jacob Dunne) 1:10:22

1M ago1:10:22

1:10:22

Jacob Dunne killed someone as a teenager, how did he seek forgiveness from his victim’s parents? What is restorative justice? How did Jacob’s experience of the criminal justice system compel him to become a campaigner for this alternative idea of justice? How does James Graham believe drama encourages us to have the difficult conversations necessar…

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A Survival Budget: The Preview 1:34:59

1M ago1:34:59

1:34:59

Join us live from central London for an unmissable deep-dive into Rachel Reeves’ upcoming Budget — with business leaders, MPs and political strategists unpacking what’s really happening behind the scenes. Recorded at the Make UK headquarters and sponsored by Rud Pedersen, this Whitehall Sources Live special brings together an expert panel to explor…

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162. Gareth Southgate: Patriotism, Leadership, and How To Inspire Young Men 1:01:41

1M ago1:01:41

1:01:41

What invaluable life-lessons did Gareth Southgate learn by missing a high profile penalty in the Euro 96 semi-finals? Does the former England manager see a future for himself in politics? How should we teach resilience and leadership to the next generation of men? Alastair and Rory are joined by former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate to answer…

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Chaos inside Number 10 and the BBC 50:19

1M ago50:19

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In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald Kirsty Buchanan and Jo Tanner analyse the latest news from Westminster. The discussion centres around the challenges facing Prime Minister Keir Starmer, including potential leadership challenges from within his party, and the implications of recent political manoeuvres. The episode a…

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EU Anti-Discrimination Law through the Lens of Critical Theory: CELS Lunchtime Seminar 45:33

1M ago45:33

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Speaker: Dr Raphaële Xenidis, Sciences Po Law School, France Abstract: EU anti-discrimination law has been a subject of choice for critiques from various disciplines. One influential motif that has durably structured the critical analysis of EU anti-discrimination law is the distinction between formal and substantive equality. Substantive approache…

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The Future of the ECHR – In Europe and UK 1:23:41

2M ago1:23:41

1:23:41

Please note that, in places, the microphones momentarily failed to record the proceedings at this event. We apologise. In the UK, calls for the withdrawal from the European Convention of Human Rights are becoming louder and more persistent. The government has promised to look into the case for reform of the Convention, but at present there are no d…

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161. Putin, Trump, and 500 Years of Resisting Russia (Radek Sikorski) 57:53

2M ago57:53

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What was it like for Radek Sikorski to be a refugee in the UK from communist Poland in the 80s? How will the war in Ukraine come to an end? Why is populism on the rise in Europe and how do we fight it? Rory and Alastair are joined by Radek Sikorski, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, to answer all this and more. Get more …

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PMQs Chaos, Migrant Sex Offender Release & Labour Budget Secrets 46:27

2M ago46:27

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Join the Whitehall Sources podcast as we dive deep into Westminster politics. This week, Calum, Kirsty, and Jo, with a special guest appearance from James Nation, ex-Special Advisor to Chancellor Rishi Sunak. We discuss: The shocking mistaken release of a migrant sex offender and the fallout at Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs). David Lammy’s handl…

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160. Michael Gove: Education, Brexit, and Trump (Part 2) 1:10:36

2M ago1:10:36

1:10:36

What is Michael Gove's lasting legacy on education in the UK? Would he have come to his position on Brexit if it weren't for Dominic Cummings? Is Nigel Farage's Reform a better chance for the UK than Labour? Rory and Alastair are joined by Michael Gove for a second episode answering all these questions and more. Get more from The Rest Is Politics w…

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Regulating AI payments // Fintech 8:41

2M ago8:41

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Episode 39: Payments Monthly Sam Quicke, Imran Bhaluani & Simon Treacy Providers of AI agents need to be careful about how they structure their products. Sam Quicke and Imran Bhaluani work through some of the key legal and regulatory considerations for agentic payments. Listen to all episodes on our Payments podcast webpage.…

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Agentic payments // Fintech 8:36

2M ago8:36

8:36

Episode 38: Payments Monthly Sam Quicke, Imran Bhaluani & Simon Treacy The future of payments will be powered by AI. In this podcast episode, Sam Quicke and Imran Bhaluani explore how AI agents look set to change how we shop online. Listen to all episodes on our Payments podcast webpage.By Linklaters

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Home Office Chaos & Labour’s Tax Trouble 47:01

2M ago47:01

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This week on Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan (former No.10 special adviser), and political strategist Jo Tanner dissect an explosive week in Westminster — from the Home Office’s “not fit for purpose” report to Keir Starmer’s looming tax U-turn. 👉 Part 1: The Home Office is back in crisis — migrant release blunders, asylum chaos,…

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AMLA’s direct supervision: entity selection and enforcement // Litigation, Arbitration and Investigations 5:01

2M ago5:01

5:01

Episode 3: New EU anti-money laundering regime This episode focuses on the Anti-Money Laundering Authority's (AMLA) role in supervising obliged entities. The speakers explain AMLA's risk-based selection process, which will identify entities based on risk exposure, operational scale and cross-border activities. The discussion covers how AMLA will su…

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159. Michael Gove: My Journey From Left to Right (Part 1) 55:42

2M ago55:42

55:42

How did Michael Gove go from campaigning for Labour leader Michael Foot in 1983 to becoming a Conservative MP? What is the impact that Rupert Murdoch has had on public life? What do Michael and Rory disagree about when it comes to Israel? Alastair and Rory are joined by former Cabinet Minister Michael Gove to answer all this and more. Get more from…

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Do the government's electoral reforms go far enough? 1:00:03

2M ago1:00:03

1:00:03

The UK government published an elections policy paper in the summer, including proposals for votes at 16, automated electoral registration, and strengthened political finance rules. With an Elections Bill expected in November, this panel will assess the government’s proposals and consider whether they will be sufficient to ensure electoral integrit…

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Can the Grooming Gangs Inquiry Survive? Plus Green Party Surge 52:47

2M ago52:47

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This week on Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan, and Jo Tanner unpack the political crisis surrounding the Grooming Gangs Inquiry — after victims resigned and its chair Jim Gamble stepped down. With Jess Phillips under pressure and Baroness Louise Casey drafted in, can the government restore trust? Then: the rise of the Green Party…

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REUL/Assimilated Law: the Current Rules(?): CELS Lunchtime Seminar 28:26

2M ago28:26

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Speaker: Dr Julian Ghosh, Cambridge University Abstract: In this seminar Dr Ghosh will address what, post-Lipton are the rules for REUL/AL; examples of UK Court decisions which should but do not apply REUL/AL and will provide a useful template for future litigation. For more information see: https://www.cels.law.cam.ac.uk/weekly-seminar-series…

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158. Baroness Hale: The Supreme Court, Boris Johnson, and the ECHR 1:08:04

2M ago1:08:04

1:08:04

How did it feel to take on then Prime Minister Boris Johnson when Baroness Hale ruled his suspension of Parliament "unlawful"? Why does the Trump administration present such a threat to the international rule of law? The ‘Spider Woman’ has been at the centre of the legal battle for women’s rights, how have these changed in the past 50 years? Rory a…

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Protests, Extremism and the China Spy Case — Lord Walney 49:36

2M ago49:36

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In this week’s Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald and Kirsty Buchanan are joined by Lord Walney (John Woodcock) — former extremism adviser to the government — for a deep dive into two major stories shaking Westminster. 👉 First, the China spying scandal: Why did the case against alleged spies collapse? Did the government withhold key evidence? And i…

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Unpacking the new EU AMLA // Litigation, Arbitration and Investigations 4:10

3M ago4:10

4:10

Episode 2: New EU anti-money laundering regime In this episode, Matthias Schelkens and Christian Schmitt introduce the new Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA)—the EU’s response to long-standing challenges in AML enforcement. They discuss what AMLA is, why it matters, and how it aims to unify and strengthen AML supervision across the EU. Next, ou…

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157. Ukraine, Diplomacy, and the Future of Europe (Dmytro Kuleba) 1:04:10

2M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

What is the current position of Ukraine in the Ukraine-Russia war? How delicate is diplomacy with Europe and with the US for the Ukrainian government? What are the differences between working with world leaders such as Donald Trump, Boris Johnson, and Joe Biden? Rory and Alastair are joined by the former Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba (…

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Keep Kemi and Carry On? Conservative Party Conference 40:17

3M ago40:17

40:17

🎙️ Whitehall Sources takes you inside Westminster for an unfiltered debrief on the Conservative Party Conference 2025 — and asks: Can Kemi Badenoch save the Tories from collapse? Calum Macdonald plus Kirsty Buchanan, former adviser to Theresa May, and Jo Tanner, political strategist, unpack: Kemi Badenoch’s leadership test after the Manchester conf…

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Introduction: What the new AML regime is all about // Litigation, Arbitration and Investigations 7:24

3M ago7:24

7:24

By Linklaters

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156. Defence Secretary, John Healey: Is Britain Ready For War? 1:15:08

3M ago1:15:08

1:15:08

What tactic did Donald Trump steal from Gordon Brown? What can we learn from when Labour beat UKIP in the 2012 Rotherham by-election when it comes to taking on Farage? As a New Labour alumnus, why does John Healey think there was more patience for change in 1997 compared to 2024? Rory and Alastair are joined by John Healey, The Secretary of State f…

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Starmer vs Farage, Racism, Labour Party Conference 46:32

3M ago46:32

46:32

Sir Keir Starmer leaves Labour’s party conference in Liverpool with a bold new strategy: frame the fight as Labour vs Reform UK. But is calling Nigel Farage’s immigration policies “racist” a huge political risk? On this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan (former No.10 adviser to Theresa May) and Jo Tanner (political stra…

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155. Mike Pompeo On Russia, Trump, and China 50:08

3M ago50:08

50:08

Why does the former Secretary of State think the US is going too soft on Russia and China? What was it like working closely with President Trump? Why did Putin invade Europe under Obama and Biden, but not Trump? Alastair and Rory are joined by Mike Pompeo, former US Secretary of State and CIA-Director, to discuss all this and more. Visit HP.com/pol…

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Starmer’s Digital ID Gamble, Reform Majority? & Burnham’s Leadership Move 38:07

3M ago38:07

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The latest Whitehall Sources episode is packed with political drama. 🚨 👉 Keir Starmer’s government drops a bombshell: Digital ID cards could soon be mandatory to work in the UK. Is this about immigration, security—or just a desperate attempt to change the headlines? 👉 A mega poll (MRP) of 10,000 voters puts Reform UK on the brink of a parliamentary…

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Unleash your inner Alice! // Business Skills 38:49

3M ago38:49

38:49

Episode 20: The Linklaters Ideas Foundry Speakers: Lisa Ardley-Price and Ian Rodwell In a world that is frenetic, volatile and uncertain, how can we retain focus and serenity while remaining efficient and productive? It’s a question that Lisa Ardley-Price, in-house lawyer, coach, fitness trainer and yoga teacher, marathon runner and well-being prac…

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How should the UK's parliaments scrutinise international agreements? 59:14

3M ago59:14

59:14

Many of the highest-profile political issues – including trade, security, and immigration – are now shaped by international treaties and agreements. These agreements are negotiated by ministers and officials, and recent years have seen complaints that the UK’s parliaments lack the scrutiny tools they need. So why does parliamentary scrutiny of inte…

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ESG litigation – the ECHR Cannavacciuolo judgment // Litigation, Arbitration and Investigations 9:08

3M ago9:08

9:08

Navigating EU Law: Insights for Businesses Florence Danis (Brussels) and Elena Andrich (Milan) explore the Cannavacciuolo decision, which addresses the violation of the right to life stemming from large-scale environmental pollution, and its practical takeaways for businesses. Listen to all episodes in the series or read the transcripts on our dedi…

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Competition litigation – Heineken and ASG 2 CJEU judgments // Litigation, Arbitration and Investigations 13:10

3M ago13:10

13:10

Navigating EU Law: Insights for Businesses Florence Danis (Brussels) is joined by Hannes Ingwersen (Frankfurt) and Maaike Roem (Amsterdam) to unpack critical developments around parent company liability (Heineken) and full compensation rights for competition law breaches (ASG 2). Listen to all episodes in the series or read the transcripts on our d…