The Bench Report
@benchreportuk.bsky.social
🇬🇧 Making UK politics accessible & accountable.
🗣️ Debates & briefings direct from Parliament.
📝 Source: Hansard.
🎧 AI Pod and Blog - subscribe on all platforms 📝🤖
Pod: https://www.thebenchreport.co.uk
Blog: https://thebenchreport.substack.com
🗣️ Debates & briefings direct from Parliament.
📝 Source: Hansard.
🎧 AI Pod and Blog - subscribe on all platforms 📝🤖
Pod: https://www.thebenchreport.co.uk
Blog: https://thebenchreport.substack.com
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Why 'The Bench Report' exists - to make UK politics accessible and accountable. ✅🗳️
@ukparliament.parliament.uk @podsavetheuk.crooked.com @politico.com @politicsjoe.bsky.social @politicshome.bsky.social @theguardian.com @bbc-politics.bsky.social @newsagents.bsky.social @channel4news.bsky.social
@ukparliament.parliament.uk @podsavetheuk.crooked.com @politico.com @politicsjoe.bsky.social @politicshome.bsky.social @theguardian.com @bbc-politics.bsky.social @newsagents.bsky.social @channel4news.bsky.social
Rogue or "cowboy" builders operating in the RMI sector have cost homeowners an astonishing estimated £14.3 billion over five years!
@ukparliament.parliament.uk
@teamlabouruk.bsky.social
@conservatives.bsky.social
@libdems.org.uk
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
@ukparliament.parliament.uk
@teamlabouruk.bsky.social
@conservatives.bsky.social
@libdems.org.uk
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
Stop Cowboy Builders: Why Licensing and Consumer Protection Reforms are Needed in the RMI Sector
Podcast Episode · The Bench Report · 05/12/2025 · 5m
podcasts.apple.com
December 6, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Rogue or "cowboy" builders operating in the RMI sector have cost homeowners an astonishing estimated £14.3 billion over five years!
@ukparliament.parliament.uk
@teamlabouruk.bsky.social
@conservatives.bsky.social
@libdems.org.uk
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
@ukparliament.parliament.uk
@teamlabouruk.bsky.social
@conservatives.bsky.social
@libdems.org.uk
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
Learn how the UK's high alcohol duty rates have had a severe impact on the nation's vital wine sector and hospitality industry. 🥂🍷
@majesticwine.bsky.social
@teamdb.bsky.social
@nakedwines.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/u...
@majesticwine.bsky.social
@teamdb.bsky.social
@nakedwines.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/u...
UK Wine Tax Crisis: Why High Alcohol Duty Hurts British Businesses and Consumers
Podcast Episode · The Bench Report · 04/12/2025 · 6m
podcasts.apple.com
December 5, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Learn how the UK's high alcohol duty rates have had a severe impact on the nation's vital wine sector and hospitality industry. 🥂🍷
@majesticwine.bsky.social
@teamdb.bsky.social
@nakedwines.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/u...
@majesticwine.bsky.social
@teamdb.bsky.social
@nakedwines.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/u...
The debate highlights severe inequalities, noting that the cost of diagnosis (around £600) means diagnosis often depends on parental income, leading to a postcode lottery.
@patoss-dyslexia.bsky.social
@laurenscribbler.bsky.social
#dyslexia #education
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/d...
@patoss-dyslexia.bsky.social
@laurenscribbler.bsky.social
#dyslexia #education
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/d...
Dyslexia Support Crisis: Why Early Diagnosis and a National Strategy are Essential
Podcast Episode · The Bench Report · 03/12/2025 · 6m
podcasts.apple.com
December 3, 2025 at 9:12 PM
The debate highlights severe inequalities, noting that the cost of diagnosis (around £600) means diagnosis often depends on parental income, leading to a postcode lottery.
@patoss-dyslexia.bsky.social
@laurenscribbler.bsky.social
#dyslexia #education
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/d...
@patoss-dyslexia.bsky.social
@laurenscribbler.bsky.social
#dyslexia #education
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/d...
Autistic adults face significant challenges in securing and maintaining meaningful employment, despite the majority expressing a strong desire to work.
@thinkingautism.com @autisticadvocacy.org @autismallianceuk.bsky.social @journalautism.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
@thinkingautism.com @autisticadvocacy.org @autismallianceuk.bsky.social @journalautism.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
Autistic Adults and Employment: Why Systems Must Change to Unlock Talent
Podcast Episode · The Bench Report · 02/12/2025 · 6m
podcasts.apple.com
December 2, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Autistic adults face significant challenges in securing and maintaining meaningful employment, despite the majority expressing a strong desire to work.
@thinkingautism.com @autisticadvocacy.org @autismallianceuk.bsky.social @journalautism.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
@thinkingautism.com @autisticadvocacy.org @autismallianceuk.bsky.social @journalautism.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
NEW EPISODE! House building in London has collapsed dramatically, with starts falling to under 5% of the Government’s target in some periods.
#housingcrisis
#londonlife
@houseofcommons.parliament.uk @ukparliament.parliament.uk @podsavetheuk.crooked.com
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/l...
#housingcrisis
#londonlife
@houseofcommons.parliament.uk @ukparliament.parliament.uk @podsavetheuk.crooked.com
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/l...
London Housing Crisis: Why House Building Collapsed and How Policy Changes Might Fix It
Podcast Episode · The Bench Report · 01/12/2025 · 6m
podcasts.apple.com
December 2, 2025 at 2:18 PM
NEW EPISODE! House building in London has collapsed dramatically, with starts falling to under 5% of the Government’s target in some periods.
#housingcrisis
#londonlife
@houseofcommons.parliament.uk @ukparliament.parliament.uk @podsavetheuk.crooked.com
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/l...
#housingcrisis
#londonlife
@houseofcommons.parliament.uk @ukparliament.parliament.uk @podsavetheuk.crooked.com
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/l...
On the agenda this week!
Housing Crisis 🏠
Autism and Employment 💼
Dyslexia support 📝
Wine Tax 🍷
Cowboy Builders 🤠
Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
@ukparliament.parliament.uk @hansardsociety.bsky.social
@senedd.wales @campolis.bsky.social @cambup-polsci.cambridge.org
Housing Crisis 🏠
Autism and Employment 💼
Dyslexia support 📝
Wine Tax 🍷
Cowboy Builders 🤠
Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
@ukparliament.parliament.uk @hansardsociety.bsky.social
@senedd.wales @campolis.bsky.social @cambup-polsci.cambridge.org
November 30, 2025 at 8:01 AM
On the agenda this week!
Housing Crisis 🏠
Autism and Employment 💼
Dyslexia support 📝
Wine Tax 🍷
Cowboy Builders 🤠
Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
@ukparliament.parliament.uk @hansardsociety.bsky.social
@senedd.wales @campolis.bsky.social @cambup-polsci.cambridge.org
Housing Crisis 🏠
Autism and Employment 💼
Dyslexia support 📝
Wine Tax 🍷
Cowboy Builders 🤠
Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
@ukparliament.parliament.uk @hansardsociety.bsky.social
@senedd.wales @campolis.bsky.social @cambup-polsci.cambridge.org
Approximately 1.2 million people in the UK live in areas known as "food deserts," which are isolated due to lacking basic services, even within towns and cities.
#righttofood
@thefoodchain.bsky.social
@elfoodbank.bsky.social
@foodfoundation.bsky.social
open.spotify.com/episode/0EmL...
#righttofood
@thefoodchain.bsky.social
@elfoodbank.bsky.social
@foodfoundation.bsky.social
open.spotify.com/episode/0EmL...
Tackling Food Deserts: Access, Inequality, and the Fight for Nutritious Food
open.spotify.com
November 28, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Approximately 1.2 million people in the UK live in areas known as "food deserts," which are isolated due to lacking basic services, even within towns and cities.
#righttofood
@thefoodchain.bsky.social
@elfoodbank.bsky.social
@foodfoundation.bsky.social
open.spotify.com/episode/0EmL...
#righttofood
@thefoodchain.bsky.social
@elfoodbank.bsky.social
@foodfoundation.bsky.social
open.spotify.com/episode/0EmL...
The UK national curriculum is being renewed to adapt to global competition, AI, machine learning, and widespread misinformation.
@teacherhead.bsky.social
@ictevangelist.bsky.social
@teachertoolkit.bsky.social
@weareteachers.bsky.social
@teachthought.com
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/n...
@teacherhead.bsky.social
@ictevangelist.bsky.social
@teachertoolkit.bsky.social
@weareteachers.bsky.social
@teachthought.com
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/n...
National Curriculum 2.0: Media Literacy, Triple Science, and Major Education Reform.
Podcast Episode · The Bench Report · 26/11/2025 · 13m
podcasts.apple.com
November 26, 2025 at 7:15 PM
The UK national curriculum is being renewed to adapt to global competition, AI, machine learning, and widespread misinformation.
@teacherhead.bsky.social
@ictevangelist.bsky.social
@teachertoolkit.bsky.social
@weareteachers.bsky.social
@teachthought.com
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/n...
@teacherhead.bsky.social
@ictevangelist.bsky.social
@teachertoolkit.bsky.social
@weareteachers.bsky.social
@teachthought.com
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/n...
Today we learn about the crucial debate calling for Statutory Maternity and Paternity Pay (SMP/SPP) to be raised to the National Living Wage (NLW).
#paternitypay #nationallivingwage #nlw #Parenthood #nhs
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
#paternitypay #nationallivingwage #nlw #Parenthood #nhs
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
The UK Parental Pay Crisis: Why Maternity and Paternity Rates Must Match the Living Wage
Podcast Episode · The Bench Report · 25/11/2025 · 5m
podcasts.apple.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Today we learn about the crucial debate calling for Statutory Maternity and Paternity Pay (SMP/SPP) to be raised to the National Living Wage (NLW).
#paternitypay #nationallivingwage #nlw #Parenthood #nhs
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
#paternitypay #nationallivingwage #nlw #Parenthood #nhs
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
Hoarding Disorder is defined by persistent difficulty discarding possessions, regardless of value, leading to severely cluttered and distressed living spaces.
#hoarding #hoardingdisorder #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
#hoarding #hoardingdisorder #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
Tackling Hoarding Disorder: A National Call for Compassion and Mental Health Support
Podcast Episode · The Bench Report · 24/11/2025 · 6m
podcasts.apple.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Hoarding Disorder is defined by persistent difficulty discarding possessions, regardless of value, leading to severely cluttered and distressed living spaces.
#hoarding #hoardingdisorder #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
#hoarding #hoardingdisorder #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
Opposition raises serious concerns about erosion of civil liberties, risks of exclusion for the digitally vulnerable, potential data breaches, and the estimated high cost of up to £2 billion.
#DigitalID
#IdentityVerification
#KYC
#britcard
#DataSecurity
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/m...
#DigitalID
#IdentityVerification
#KYC
#britcard
#DataSecurity
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/m...
Mandatory Digital ID: Balancing Control, Security, and Freedom in the UK
Podcast Episode · The Bench Report · 21/11/2025 · 6m
podcasts.apple.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Opposition raises serious concerns about erosion of civil liberties, risks of exclusion for the digitally vulnerable, potential data breaches, and the estimated high cost of up to £2 billion.
#DigitalID
#IdentityVerification
#KYC
#britcard
#DataSecurity
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/m...
#DigitalID
#IdentityVerification
#KYC
#britcard
#DataSecurity
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/m...
The 25th anniversary of devolution in Scotland! 🏴 🗳️
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.
#scotland
open.spotify.com/episode/77le...
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.
#scotland
open.spotify.com/episode/77le...
Scotland Devolution at 25: Successes, Failures, and the Path Ahead
open.spotify.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:09 PM
The 25th anniversary of devolution in Scotland! 🏴 🗳️
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.
#scotland
open.spotify.com/episode/77le...
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.
#scotland
open.spotify.com/episode/77le...
Why 'The Bench Report' exists - to make UK politics accessible and accountable. ✅🗳️
@ukparliament.parliament.uk @podsavetheuk.crooked.com @politico.com @politicsjoe.bsky.social @politicshome.bsky.social @theguardian.com @bbc-politics.bsky.social @newsagents.bsky.social @channel4news.bsky.social
@ukparliament.parliament.uk @podsavetheuk.crooked.com @politico.com @politicsjoe.bsky.social @politicshome.bsky.social @theguardian.com @bbc-politics.bsky.social @newsagents.bsky.social @channel4news.bsky.social
November 20, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Why 'The Bench Report' exists - to make UK politics accessible and accountable. ✅🗳️
@ukparliament.parliament.uk @podsavetheuk.crooked.com @politico.com @politicsjoe.bsky.social @politicshome.bsky.social @theguardian.com @bbc-politics.bsky.social @newsagents.bsky.social @channel4news.bsky.social
@ukparliament.parliament.uk @podsavetheuk.crooked.com @politico.com @politicsjoe.bsky.social @politicshome.bsky.social @theguardian.com @bbc-politics.bsky.social @newsagents.bsky.social @channel4news.bsky.social
The UK provided the second-largest military contribution to the United Nations Command, with over 1,100 British lives lost.
#korea #history #podcast
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/k...
#korea #history #podcast
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/k...
Korean War 75th Anniversary: Honouring UK Heroes and the Glosters' Defence
Podcast Episode · The Bench Report · 19/11/2025 · 6m
podcasts.apple.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:38 PM
The UK provided the second-largest military contribution to the United Nations Command, with over 1,100 British lives lost.
#korea #history #podcast
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/k...
#korea #history #podcast
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/k...
The UK Government is launching a new Post-16 Education and Skills Strategy to transform education. The strategy introduces V-levels, a new vocational qualification designed to simplify pathways alongside A-levels and T-levels.
#education #vlevels #mocks #gcses
open.spotify.com/episode/7gub...
#education #vlevels #mocks #gcses
open.spotify.com/episode/7gub...
Spotify – Web Player
open.spotify.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:00 PM
The UK Government is launching a new Post-16 Education and Skills Strategy to transform education. The strategy introduces V-levels, a new vocational qualification designed to simplify pathways alongside A-levels and T-levels.
#education #vlevels #mocks #gcses
open.spotify.com/episode/7gub...
#education #vlevels #mocks #gcses
open.spotify.com/episode/7gub...
The debate urges investment in rehabilitation, better staffing, and a commitment to ending the postcode lottery in care.
@thestrokeassoc.bsky.social
open.spotify.com/episode/6dLU...
@thestrokeassoc.bsky.social
open.spotify.com/episode/6dLU...
Stroke Recovery Crisis: Why UK Rehab Services Are Failing Survivors
open.spotify.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:21 AM
The debate urges investment in rehabilitation, better staffing, and a commitment to ending the postcode lottery in care.
@thestrokeassoc.bsky.social
open.spotify.com/episode/6dLU...
@thestrokeassoc.bsky.social
open.spotify.com/episode/6dLU...
Episodes coming up this week!
November 16, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Episodes coming up this week!
Opponents argue the changes force land sales to cover inheritance tax, jeopardizing generational succession and rural investment.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/p...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/p...
Protecting the Family Farm: The Inheritance Tax Battle over APR and BPR in Northern Ireland
Podcast Episode · The Bench Report · 14/11/2025 · 7m
podcasts.apple.com
November 14, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Opponents argue the changes force land sales to cover inheritance tax, jeopardizing generational succession and rural investment.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/p...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/p...
Connected Automated Vehicles (CAVs) are projected to drastically improve road safety by avoiding up to 88% of collisions linked to human error. 🤔🤖🚘
#CAVs #AA #RAC
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
#CAVs #AA #RAC
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
Self-Driving Revolution: Safety, Accessibility, and the Future of UK Transport
Podcast Episode · The Bench Report · 13/11/2025 · 5m
podcasts.apple.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Connected Automated Vehicles (CAVs) are projected to drastically improve road safety by avoiding up to 88% of collisions linked to human error. 🤔🤖🚘
#CAVs #AA #RAC
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
#CAVs #AA #RAC
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
Hear analysis of the recent parliamentary debate about the legacy of Ada Lovelace (b. 1815), the visionary mathematician recognized as a pioneer of computer science! 💻⚛️👩🔬🧮
#adalovelace #adalovelaceday @adalovelaceinst.bsky.social @adalovelaceday.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
#adalovelace #adalovelaceday @adalovelaceinst.bsky.social @adalovelaceday.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
Ada Lovelace: Computer Pioneer, STEM Visionary, and Closing the Gender Gap
Podcast Episode · The Bench Report · 12/11/2025 · 6m
podcasts.apple.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Hear analysis of the recent parliamentary debate about the legacy of Ada Lovelace (b. 1815), the visionary mathematician recognized as a pioneer of computer science! 💻⚛️👩🔬🧮
#adalovelace #adalovelaceday @adalovelaceinst.bsky.social @adalovelaceday.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
#adalovelace #adalovelaceday @adalovelaceinst.bsky.social @adalovelaceday.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
Critical staff shortages throughout the NHS—affecting specialists like radiologists, oncologists, and nurses—are significantly hindering cancer care.
@cancerresearchuk.org @nhscharitiestogether.co.uk #nhs #cancerresearch
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/n...
@cancerresearchuk.org @nhscharitiestogether.co.uk #nhs #cancerresearch
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/n...
NHS Cancer Crisis: Workforce Shortages, Waiting Times, and the Fight for Early Diagnosis
Podcast Episode · The Bench Report · 11/11/2025 · 7m
podcasts.apple.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Critical staff shortages throughout the NHS—affecting specialists like radiologists, oncologists, and nurses—are significantly hindering cancer care.
@cancerresearchuk.org @nhscharitiestogether.co.uk #nhs #cancerresearch
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/n...
@cancerresearchuk.org @nhscharitiestogether.co.uk #nhs #cancerresearch
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/n...
Family holidays during the school term?
The debate over "predatory pricing" by holiday companies, making travel during official school breaks unaffordable, forcing parents to risk fines.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
@jet2holidays.bsky.social @bookingcom.bsky.social @haystravel.bsky.social
The debate over "predatory pricing" by holiday companies, making travel during official school breaks unaffordable, forcing parents to risk fines.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
@jet2holidays.bsky.social @bookingcom.bsky.social @haystravel.bsky.social
School Attendance Fines vs. Family Wellbeing: The Debate Over Term-Time Holidays
Podcast Episode · The Bench Report · 10/11/2025 · 6m
podcasts.apple.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Family holidays during the school term?
The debate over "predatory pricing" by holiday companies, making travel during official school breaks unaffordable, forcing parents to risk fines.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
@jet2holidays.bsky.social @bookingcom.bsky.social @haystravel.bsky.social
The debate over "predatory pricing" by holiday companies, making travel during official school breaks unaffordable, forcing parents to risk fines.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
@jet2holidays.bsky.social @bookingcom.bsky.social @haystravel.bsky.social
Episodes coming up this week!
November 9, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Episodes coming up this week!
The urgent need for educational assessment reform due to the profound impact high-stakes exams have on youth mental health. #mentalhealth #exams
open.spotify.com/episode/1WY4...
open.spotify.com/episode/1WY4...
The Exam Crisis: Why Educational Assessment Reform is Crucial for Youth Mental Health
open.spotify.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:25 PM
The urgent need for educational assessment reform due to the profound impact high-stakes exams have on youth mental health. #mentalhealth #exams
open.spotify.com/episode/1WY4...
open.spotify.com/episode/1WY4...
With COP30 approaching in Belém, Brazil, leaders are urged to place food systems at the heart of climate negotiations.
#COP30 #climatechange @cop30brazil.bsky.social @cop30
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/c...
#COP30 #climatechange @cop30brazil.bsky.social @cop30
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/c...
COP30: Why Transforming Global Food Systems is Crucial for Climate and Security
Podcast Episode · The Bench Report · 07/11/2025 · 5m
podcasts.apple.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:48 AM
With COP30 approaching in Belém, Brazil, leaders are urged to place food systems at the heart of climate negotiations.
#COP30 #climatechange @cop30brazil.bsky.social @cop30
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/c...
#COP30 #climatechange @cop30brazil.bsky.social @cop30
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/c...