The Bench Report

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 thes…

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 floodi…

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 childbi…

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 actuall…

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 consta…

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. Understa…

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. Underst…

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…

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 f…

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 Eng…

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 …

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 …

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 Tele…

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 vehi…

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 …

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 ambitiou…

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…

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…

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. …

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 t…