Best The Extended Bench Podcasts (2025)

1
UK Parliament: All-Party Parliamentary Groups 9:22

2h ago9:22

9:22

This episode looks at All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs). These are informal, cross-party groups in the UK Parliament, focused on specific topics or countries. Although not official parliamentary bodies, they have faced concerns regarding governance and potential improper access or influence, particularly from lobbyists, commercial entities, or…

1
UK Parliament: How Bills Get Carried Over Between Sessions 7:30

3h ago7:30

7:30

This episode explores bill carry-over in the UK Parliament, a procedure that allows public bills to continue their progress from one parliamentary session to the next instead of falling at the end of a session. Initially suggested by the Modernisation Committee in 1997 to reduce legislative workload fluctuations and improve scrutiny, carry-over aim…

1
UK Parliament: Directly-Elected Mayors in England and Wales 8:36

22h ago8:36

8:36

Our topic this episode discusses directly-elected mayors in England and Wales, a system introduced by the Local Government Act 2000. There are three main ways local authorities can be run: mayor and cabinet, leader and cabinet, or the committee system. Discover how mayors are introduced, either by referendum or council resolution, and why most refe…

1
Will the Knicks Make the FInals? | Eastern Conference Finals Preview 22:12

2h ago22:12

22:12

Dylan and Ryan break down the Knicks' Eastern Conference Finals matchup as they take on the Pacers for a chance to MAKE THE NBA FINALS!By Empire Sports Media

1
UK Parliament: Select Committees - The Evolution of Core Tasks 6:26

9h ago6:26

6:26

This episode looks at how the essential jobs, or "core tasks," of UK House of Commons select committees have changed over time. First set in 2002 to make committee work more organised and accountable, these tasks were updated in 2012 to match growing demands and add new areas like "Strategy" and "Public Engagement". More recent proposals, like in 2…

1
UK Lobbying: Regulation, Scandals, and the Push for Transparency 9:48

12h ago9:48

9:48

This episode looks at the world of lobbying in UK politics, exploring its definition, perceived benefits and drawbacks. We discuss the existing regulatory framework, primarily the Transparency of Lobbying Act 2014, which focuses on consultant lobbyists. Drawing on scrutiny and academic analysis, we highlight key criticisms of the Act, such as its n…

1
Road Safety and Active Travel to School 7:20

3d ago7:20

7:20

Do you worry about the safety of children on their way to school? Are you concerned about the decline in walking and cycling and the impact this has on their health and our environment? A recent debate in the House of Commons addressed these crucial issues, exploring how we can create safer routes and encourage more active travel to school. This ep…

1
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow? The UK Salon Crisis You Need to Know 12:19

4d ago12:19

12:19

Is your local salon facing an uncertain future? Parliament's recent debate exposed a critical situation for the UK's hair and beauty industry. Soaring costs and unfair tax policies are squeezing these vital community hubs, threatening jobs and apprenticeships. Understand the challenges and why it matters to your high street. This episode examines t…

1
Carlisle Floods: Understanding Past Devastation and Future Preparations 10:37

5d ago10:37

10:37

Today we explore the critical issue of flood preparedness in Carlisle. This episode highlights the challenges the city faces and ongoing efforts to protect residents and properties from future flooding events, especially with the increasing risks posed by climate change. Carlisle experienced devastating floods in 2005, the worst since 1822, causing…

1
Fixing the Maternal Health Crisis: Black Women Face Shocking Disparities in the UK 10:29

7d ago10:29

10:29

While the UK is generally safe for childbirth, persistent and deadly inequalities exist for Black and minority ethnic women. Black women are three times more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth than white women. This critical issue demands urgent attention and action. Key takeaways. Beyond mortality, Black women face higher rates of miscar…

1
UK Master's Funding Explained 12:03

8d ago12:03

12:03

Hey there, future master's student! Thinking about postgraduate studies in the UK but worried about the cost? You're not alone! Navigating the world of funding can seem daunting, but there are actually many potential avenues to explore. We want to give you a clear picture of the possibilities. Today on The Bench Report, Amy and Ivan break down the …

1
The UK Constitution part 5: Central Government 14:52

11d ago14:52

14:52

Who really runs the show in the UK? It's the central government, the executive branch, but its power isn't absolute. It's a fascinating system where the government comes from Parliament and is constantly answerable to it. Understanding this relationship is key to grasping how the UK is governed at the highest level. The Bench Report concludes our s…

1
The UK Constitution part 4: The Judiciary 10:37

12d ago10:37

10:37

Curious about why the UK has not just one, but three distinct legal systems? It might seem a bit unusual for a single country, but it's a fascinating result of history and the Acts of Union. Understanding these differences, and what ties them together, is key to grasping how justice is administered across the United Kingdom. In episode 4 of The Ben…

1
The UK Constitution part 3: Devolution 14:05

13d ago14:05

14:05

Ever wondered how different parts of the UK – Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – govern themselves? It's a system called devolution, where the UK Parliament has shared some of its power. Understanding how this works is key to grasping the political landscape of the United Kingdom and how decisions are made across the nations. This week, The Be…

1
The UK Constitution part 2: Parliament 12:15

14d ago12:15

12:15

Ever feel like the inner workings of the UK Parliament are a mystery? It's the central stage for making the laws that shape our lives, and understanding its structure and powers is crucial for anyone wanting to know how the UK really works. Unlike some countries with single written constitutions, the UK's parliamentary system has evolved over centu…

1
The UK Constitution part 1: The Crown 14:10

15d ago14:10

14:10

Ever wondered about the real power behind the Crown in the UK? It's more than just crowns and ceremonies. The UK's constitution, unlike many others, isn't written down in one place. Instead, it's a fascinating mix of history, laws, and traditions that have developed over centuries. Understanding how the Crown operates within this system is key to g…

1
English Football Governance: The New Regulatory Framework 13:46

25d ago13:46

13:46

Today, we're looking at the football governance bill. It's already been through the House of Lords, and now it's landed in the House of Commons. This new law aims to tackle long-standing issues in English football, such as club finances, ownership, and giving fans a greater voice – issues brought into sharp focus by the 2021 fan-led review, the pan…

1
Trail Hunting Under Scrutiny: Ban on the Horizon? 12:43

26d ago12:43

12:43

Today we examine the recent parliamentary debate on trail hunting, an activity under increasing fire for its connection to illegal fox hunting despite the Hunting Act 2004. Perran Moon MP opened the discussion, highlighting animal cruelty concerns and the perceived loopholes in current legislation. The debate explores the differences between trail …

1
PIP and Carer's Allowance Changes 11:38

27d ago11:38

11:38

Join us as we unpack a crucial House of Commons debate on the proposed changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and their potential impact on Carer’s Allowance. The Minister of State, Stephen Timms, outlines the government's plan to reform PIP through the "Pathways to Work" Green Paper, aiming to create a more sustainable system focused on t…

1
Landline Revolution: Unpacking the UK's Big Digital Phone Switch 23:19

28d ago23:19

23:19

Ready to explore the upcoming changes to your home phone? In this episode, we investigate the UK's nationwide shift from traditional landlines to a fully digital network. The old Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is being retired, with all calls moving over broadband by the end of January 2027. This industry-led transition is happening becau…

1
Driving the Electric Revolution: Licence Changes for Zero Emission Vehicles 13:52

1M ago13:52

13:52

As my eldest is turning 17 soon, this is of particular interest! Join us as we explore the recent changes to UK driving licence regulations designed to accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles. We examine the new rules, which allow standard category B licence holders to drive fully electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles up to 4.25 tonnes …

1
University Finances Under Fire: Exploring the Crisis in UK Higher Education and Its Impact on Jobs 15:31

1M ago15:31

15:31

Join us as we investigate the mounting financial pressures facing universities across the United Kingdom. This episode examines a crucial parliamentary debate on the severe financial crisis gripping the higher education sector, revealing the profound consequences for both staff and students. We unpack the alarming statistics, with over 5,000 job cu…

1
Nursery Expansion in Schools: Promises Kept or Promises Broken? 11:23

1M ago11:23

11:23

Join us for the latest announcement from the Labour Government regarding the roll-out of school-based nursery capital grants. Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson outlines the ambitious plan to open and expand nurseries in primary schools, backed by £37 million in funding for an initial 300 schools, aiming for 3,000 new nurseries in …

1
BSL Week: Amplifying Deaf Voices in Parliament 17:49

1M ago17:49

17:49

This episode explores the vibrant discussions during British Sign Language Week in the UK Parliament. We listen in as Members of Parliament examine the significance of BSL as a language, culture, and cornerstone of the deaf community's identity. The conversation unpacks the progress made since the British Sign Language Act 2022, while also shining …

1
The Weekend Briefing: passport queues, AI in government, the cladding scandal and more. 12:26

1M ago12:26

12:26

The Bench Report Weekend Briefing presents a summary of our topics discussed in episodes this past week and beyond We begin with the question of dedicated UK passport queues and the government's focus on efficiency over national identity. The briefing then addresses the ongoing UK cladding scandal, highlighting slow progress and significant cost in…

1
REWIND: MPs' Expenses Overhaul: The Kelly Report & the Future of Allowances 13:47

1M ago13:47

13:47

This REWIND episode delves into a significant moment in UK parliamentary history: the House of Commons statement on the Kelly Report, which proposed a new framework for MPs' expenses and allowances. Following public anger over past claims, the report aimed to restore trust and confidence in Parliament. Listen to the key points as Harriet Harman, th…

1
AI in Government: Opportunities and Obstacles 15:06

1M ago15:06

15:06

Join us as we explore the intricate world of Artificial Intelligence within the UK government. This episode investigates the findings of the Committee of Public Accounts' report on the use of AI in the public sector. We examine the immense potential of AI to revolutionise public services, from automating routine tasks and boosting efficiency to lev…

1
UK Transport Talk: Growth, Grievances & Green Goals 15:06

1M ago15:06

15:06

Join us for an engaging exploration into the heart of UK transport policy as we unpack the recent House of Commons Transport Questions session from March 27, 2025. We'll examine the government's strong emphasis on transport's role in driving economic growth, alongside the myriad of concerns and debates raised by MPs. From the sticky issue of the Ga…

1
Unsafe Homes: The Cladding Crisis examined 15:01

1M ago15:01

15:01

Join us as we explore the ongoing crisis surrounding dangerous cladding in residential buildings, years after the Grenfell Tower disaster. We examine the latest report from the Committee of Public Accounts, uncovering the sheer scale of the problem, now estimated to affect 9,000 to 12,000 buildings and potentially 3 million people. Discover why pro…

1
Scunthorpe Steel Crisis: The Future of UK Steel 10:46

1M ago10:46

10:46

An emergency episoide of 'The Bench Report today as we explore the critical debate in Parliament surrounding the future of Scunthorpe Steelworks following British Steel's worrying announcement of potential blast furnace closures and job losses. We examine the government's immediate response to support affected workers and their conditional offer of…

1
PE & School Sport: Funding, access and targets 18:48

1M ago18:48

18:48

LISTENER REQUEST EPISODE! Our producer Tom plays (well, tries to play) football each week, as do his children. One of Tom's team-mates is a PE teacher, who, when chatting about Tom's crazy podcast idea, asked (demanded) to know to what the government are doing about the lack of playing fields for his pupils. So...this one's for you, Mr Harrision! W…

1
REWIND: Article 50 Triggered: Inside the Historic Brexit Debate 16:09

2M ago16:09

16:09

Join us as we delve into the momentous day the UK formally triggered Article 50, beginning the process of leaving the European Union. This episode takes you inside the House of Commons as Prime Minister Theresa May delivers her statement and faces a barrage of questions from MPs across the political spectrum. Hear the key arguments, the hopes for a…

1
Down Syndrome Act 2022: Understanding the Guidance and the Fight for Progress 18:13

2M ago18:13

18:13

EXTRA: includes an overview of other notable issues debated in the Commons recently. The Down Syndrome Act 2022 aims to ensure public authorities in England, like the NHS, social care, education, and housing, meet the specific needs of individuals with Down syndrome. This episode delves into the crucial guidance associated with the Act, exploring i…

1
Horizon Scandal Redress: Government Response Under Scrutiny 14:02

2M ago14:02

14:02

This episode delves into the latest developments in the Post Office Horizon scandal redress process, examining the Government's response to the Business and Trade Committee's critical report. We unpack the key recommendations made by the Committee and analyse which have been accepted, partially accepted, or rejected by the Department for Business a…

1
UK Airport Queues: Should Brits Get Their Own Passport Lines? 10:48

2M ago10:48

10:48

Essential listeng for the Easter and Summer holidays! This episode of 'The Bench Report' will provide you with a quick understanding of the discussions surrounding dedicated passport lines for British passport holders at UK airports, as detailed in recent parliamentary questions. Explore the debate around dedicated passport lines for British citize…

1
Public Sector Productivity: Has Working From Home Changed Everything? 12:54

2M ago12:54

12:54

Is working from home helping or hindering the public sector? Join us as we delve into a lively debate in the House of Lords about the impact of remote working on productivity. With public sector productivity still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels, questions are being raised about whether the surge in working from home is a contributing factor. We…

1
REWIND: UK Coronavirus Bill: Emergency Powers, NHS Support & Civil Liberties Debate 16:16

2M ago16:16

16:16

Our first Bench Report REWIND explores the UK Parliament's Second Reading of the Coronavirus Bill, a piece of legislation enacted to tackle the unprecedented public health emergency. We delve into the extraordinary measures proposed by our decision makers in government. We examine the justification for these unprecedented peacetime measures, includ…

1
Grassroots Sport - Funding and Facilities. 13:09

2M ago13:09

13:09

Ahead of the weekend, we ask what is the state of grassroots sports in the UK? Join us for an in-depth look at recent parliamentary discussions focusing on the financial lifeline and essential facilities for local sports clubs, with a particular emphasis on football. In this episode, we dissect the key concerns raised by Members of Parliament regar…

1
Clearing the Air - Unpacking the Tobacco and Vapes Bill 21:09

2M ago21:09

21:09

While everyone may be talking about the Chancellor's Spring Statement earlier today, our misson at 'The Bench Report' is to highlight other debates and committees that may go unheralded, but are extremely important. Today we look at the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, a landmark piece of legislation aiming to create a smokefree generation in the UK. We unp…

1
SPECIAL REPORT: UK Cyber Security Under Scrutiny - Ransomware, Russia, and Local Authority Defence 13:50

2M ago13:50

13:50

A subject very relevant after the recent cyber security leak in the US government! BBC News - Trump's national security team's chat app leak stuns Washington This episode examines the government's ongoing efforts to bolster the nation's digital defences against a growing array of threats. We analyse the latest progress in strengthening cyber securi…

1
SEND Funding Crisis: Urgent Reforms Needed Across the UK? 17:04

2M ago17:04

17:04

The current state of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) funding in the UK is under intense scrutiny, with calls for urgent reform and increased financial support. This episode delves into a recent parliamentary discussion highlighting the challenges faced by local authorities and the experiences of families and schools. The Labour go…

1
The Bench Report: An Introduction 8:53

2M ago8:53

8:53

Welcome to the introductory episode of 'The Bench Report!' UK politics then and now, straight from the benches. We're here to make debates from the Commons and the Lords more accessible to everyone and hold our government a bit more accountable. We delve into Hansard, the official record of parliamentary debate in the UK, which is publicly availabl…

1
Spring Statement 2025: Decoding the UK's Economic Outlook 16:13

2M ago16:13

16:13

Tune in to this episode for a deep dive into the upcoming Spring Statement 2025, where the Chancellor will respond to the latest economic and public finances forecast from the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), due on 26 March 2025. While the Spring Statement was initially expected to be a response to the OBR's forecast, there's sp…

1
Rare Cancers: A Bill of Hope and the Fight for Fair Treatment 17:51

2M ago17:51

17:51

This episode of 'The Bench Report' delves into the passionate and moving debate surrounding the Rare Cancers Bill, a crucial piece of legislation aiming to address the disparities faced by individuals diagnosed with less common cancers. Discover why so-called "rare" cancers collectively account for nearly half of all cancer diagnoses and over half …

1
Coaching Youth Basketball? Everything You Need To Know With Bill Flitter of Coaching Youth Hoops 1:06:52

8M ago1:06:52

1:06:52

In this episode, Troy Wallace speaks with Bill Flitter, a seasoned youth basketball coach and founder of Level Up Basketball and host of the Coaching Youth Hoops Podcast. Bill shares valuable insights into coaching youth, offering free resources like a preseason checklist, teaching frameworks, and practice planning strategies. He also discusses the…

1
The Knicks Have a Not-So-Secret Weapon Coming Off the Bench 18:11

9M ago18:11

18:11

Breaking down a not-so-secret weapon for the Knicks this upcoming season!By Empire Sports Media

1
Basketball Leagues for Fun and Profit with Reuben Torenberg Founder of S. F. Hoops 56:22

9M ago56:22

56:22

In this episode of the Stay On The Court podcast https://stayonthecourt.com/podcast/, Troy welcomes Reuben Torenberg, Founder of SF Hoops https://sfhoopsleague.com/, an invite-only basketball league for Silicon Valley tech workers in San Francisco. By day, Reuben is a commercial real estate broker in the competitive Bay Area market. Troy discovered…