The Bench Report
UK politics, straight from the benches.
Parliamentary debates, hearings, bills and briefings, all made into easy-to-digest audio.
Why Listen?
Well, politics is everyone’s business, as my window cleaner reminds me every fortnight. The Bench Report tries to make it less stuffy and more relatable. From PE teacher concerns over playing fields, to holiday-makers' complaints about airport queues, hopefully a topic or two will resonate and spark further interest.
Listener suggestions are vital to our mission - making politics more accessible and accountable. So please get in touch and producer Tom (me) will grab another coffee and start scanning those pages of Hansard.
Think of us as your personal, political consultancy service...but cheaper.
- Stay Informed: Get up-to-date on the latest parliamentary debates and policy decisions, many of which can be overshadowed by the headlines.
- Accessible Politics: We break down complex political jargon into clear, understandable audio summaries.
- Accountability: Understand how your government is working and hold them accountable.
- Targeted Content: Search our episode library for topics that matter to you, personally or professionally. Window cleaners included.
Our Sources:
- No outside chatter. We rely only on the official record of Parliamentary debates: Hansard.parliament.uk
- Reports from Parliamentary Committees that consider and scrutise government work: committees.parliament.uk
- Upcoming Parliamentary bills: bills.parliament.uk
- The comprehensive resources of the House of Commons Library: commonslibrary.parliament.uk
Legal:
- Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0. parliament.uk/site-information/copyright-parliament
Email:
- thebenchreportuk@gmail.com
About Me:
I'm Tom, producer of 'The Bench Report'. Yorkshireman, ex-primary school teacher, now working in the world of education technology. Dad of two, elite village cricketer, knackered footballer. Fascinated by UK and US politics and the world my kids will be taking over. Check out 'The Bulletin' on Substack for my 'light-hearted' look at parliament.
Episodes
28 episodes
English Football Governance: The New Regulatory Framework
In this episode, we uncover the details of the Football Governance Bill [HL], a significant piece of legislation introduced in the House of Lords on 24 October 2024 and progressing through Parliament. This bill aims "to protect and promote t...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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13:46
Trail Hunting Under Scrutiny: Ban on the Horizon?
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 conce...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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12:43
PIP and Carer's Allowance Changes
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 govern...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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11:38
Landline Revolution: Unpacking the UK's Big Digital Phone Switch
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 r...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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23:19
Driving the Electric Revolution: Licence Changes for Zero Emission Vehicles
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,...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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13:52
University Finances Under Fire: Exploring the Crisis in UK Higher Education and Its Impact on Jobs
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, re...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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15:31
Nursery Expansion in Schools: Promises Kept or Promises Broken?
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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11:23
BSL Week: Amplifying Deaf Voices in Parliament
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 commun...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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17:49
The Weekend Briefing: passport queues, AI in government, the cladding scandal and more.
The Bench Report Weekend Briefing presents a summary of our topics discussed in episodes this past week and beyondWe begin with the question of dedicated UK passport queues and the government's focus on efficiency over nati...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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12:26
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REWIND: MPs' Expenses Overhaul: The Kelly Report & the Future of Allowances
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 claim...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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13:47
AI in Government: Opportunities and Obstacles
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. W...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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15:06
UK Transport Talk: Growth, Grievances & Green Goals
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 dri...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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15:06
Unsafe Homes: The Cladding Crisis examined
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 sc...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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15:01
Scunthorpe Steel Crisis: The Future of UK Steel
An emergency episoide of 'The Bench Report today as we explore the critical debate in Parliament surrounding the future of Scunthorpe Steelworks following
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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10:46
PE & School Sport: Funding, access and targets
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 t...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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18:48
REWIND: Article 50 Triggered: Inside the Historic Brexit Debate
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 fa...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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16:09
Down Syndrome Act 2022: Understanding the Guidance and the Fight for Progress
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 need...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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18:13
Horizon Scandal Redress: Government Response Under Scrutiny
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 Commit...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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14:02
UK Airport Queues: Should Brits Get Their Own Passport Lines?
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 detaile...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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10:48
Public Sector Productivity: Has Working From Home Changed Everything?
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 le...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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12:54
REWIND: UK Coronavirus Bill: Emergency Powers, NHS Support & Civil Liberties Debate
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 d...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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16:16
Grassroots Sport - Funding and Facilities.
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 pa...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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13:09
Clearing the Air - Unpacking the Tobacco and Vapes Bill
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 Toba...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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21:09
SPECIAL REPORT: UK Cyber Security Under Scrutiny - Ransomware, Russia, and Local Authority Defence
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&n...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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13:50
SEND Funding Crisis: Urgent Reforms Needed Across the UK?
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 discu...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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17:04