In this episode of Westminster Unfiltered, we spoke to newly elected local councillors Aaron Goater and Rukhsar Askari about what it is really like to become a councillor.

We asked them about the election process, what happens during a campaign, and what life is like on the campaign trail - from speaking to residents and knocking on doors, to waiting for the results and starting work as local councillors.

Aaron and Rukhsar shared what inspired them to get involved in politics, what they learned from standing in an election, and why local democracy matters.

It was a really interesting conversation about politics, community, and how ordinary people can get involved in making a difference where they live.

How can young people with SEND make sure their voices are heard?

In this episode of Westminster Unfiltered, wes spoke with Emma-Jane Hampsheir-Gill, SEND Participation Officer for Southwark Council.

Emma-Jane explains what a SEND Participation Officer does, how young people with SEND can share their views, and why student voice should be at the heart of decision-making.

We also discuss annual reviews, why they matter, and how students can be involved in conversations about their own education, support, and future.

A brilliant conversation about participation, confidence, speaking up, and making sure young people are listened to!

For National Colleges Week, we were really pleased to welcome Sutton Councillor Rob Beck to the Sutton Life Centre for a special interview. As Vice Chair of the People Committee and SEND Champion at Sutton Council, he had lots to share, and we enjoyed asking him about everything from specialist Further Education and future skills to mobile phones in schools, his work as a councillor, and even his favourite pizza.

This was a fun and thoughtful conversation that gave us the chance to ask our own questions, hear his views, and talk about topics that are important to young people. It was great to be able to have such an open discussion and to be part of something that celebrated our voices during National Colleges Week.

We’re delighted to welcome James Kearns, Principal of Carew Academy, to Westminster Unfiltered for a special education-focused episode recorded at Carew Academy’s brand-new building.

Our student hosts, Joseph and Morgan, spoke with James about what a school principal really does day to day, how decisions are made that affect students, and the challenges and responsibilities that come with leading a school community. It’s an insightful conversation that offers a behind-the-scenes look at school leadership and the impact those decisions can have on young people’s lives.

We are delighted to welcome Danny Beales MP, Member of Parliament for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, to the show for a special episode recorded on location at the Houses of Parliament.

As part of Natspec’s Power of Specialist FE Awareness Week, our student hosts spoke with Danny about the essential role specialist further education plays in supporting young people with SEND. Danny reflects on the importance of investing in specialist provision, the impact it has on families and communities, and why awareness of Specialist FE must continue to grow nationally. 

A huge thank you to Danny for joining us and inspiring our students with such a thoughtful and encouraging conversation.

Read more about the campaign at the following link:
https://natspec.org.uk/natspec-launches-power-of-specialist-fe-campaign-week/

We are thrilled to welcome Florence Eshalomi MP, Member of Parliament for Vauxhall, to the show for a special episode recorded on location at the Houses of Parliament.

As part of Natspec’s Power of Specialist FE Awareness Week, our student hosts spoke with Florence about the vital role that specialist further education plays in supporting young people with SEND. In this thoughtful and insightful interview, Florence shares her personal reflections, discusses the importance of strong support for specialist colleges, and highlights why the voices of young people with additional needs must be heard nationally.

A huge thank you to Florence for joining us and empowering our students with such an encouraging and energetic conversation.

Read more about the campaign at the following link: https://natspec.org.uk/natspec-launches-power-of-specialist-fe-campaign-week/

We are thrilled to welcome Sir Ed Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, to the show for a special episode recorded on location at the Houses of Parliament.

Marking Natspec’s Power of Specialist FE Awareness Week, our student hosts spoke with Sir Ed about the critical importance of specialist further education for young people with SEND. In this exclusive interview, Sir Ed offers personal reflections and discusses how Specialist FE can be better recognized nationally. A massive thank you to Sir Ed for joining us and empowering our students with such an inspiring conversation.

Read more about the campaign at the following link: https://natspec.org.uk/natspec-launches-power-of-specialist-fe-campaign-week/

In this special episode, we were invited to the Houses of Parliament by Bobby Dean MP for an exclusive interview in his offices. Our regular hosts, Joseph and Morgan, ask about some of today’s key issues - from shoplifting and community safety to the Liberal Democrats’ chances at the next election. Bobby also gives a behind-the-scenes look at life as an MP and joins in on some lighter questions, including the all-important one: should pineapple ever go on a pizza? We hope you enjoy listening!

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Jewkes, Head of Programmes at the Ben Kinsella Trust, the UK’s leading knife crime prevention charity. Tom shares the story behind the Trust, founded in memory of Ben Kinsella, and explains how their powerful workshops and campaigns help young people make positive choices. We talk about why some young people feel pressured to carry knives, how social media plays a role, and what families, schools, and communities can do to keep young people safe. Tom also reflects on inspiring moments from his work and offers practical advice for listeners who want to get involved. It’s an important conversation with plenty to take away — we hope you enjoy listening!

In this episode of Westminster Unfiltered, we open up about what inspired us to become interested in politics - from the issues that fired us up to the politicans that made us care. Then we shift gears to a big international headline: Donald Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on the global film industry. Is it political posturing or a serious threat to jobs in this country? We break down what it means and why it matters.