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		<title>The Crossbench with Conor Wilson</title>
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		<copyright>Conor Wilson</copyright>
		<itunes:keywords>politics, backbench MP,MP,Members of Parliament,Westminster, Politics,UK politics, political interviewing, journalism</itunes:keywords>
		<itunes:author>Conor Wilson</itunes:author>
		<itunes:subtitle/>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p><strong>"MPs are all the same"</strong></p><br><p><strong>"Politicians are only in it for themselves."</strong></p><br><p>Are these things true? In some cases they might be, but what if in reality, they are not?</p><br><p>The Crossbench podcast wants to do political interviewing differently, aiming to learn about the person behind the politician. With a range of guests from across the political spectrum, we bring voices often overlooked in the political arena. </p><br><p>From backbench MPs discussing the realities of constituency politics to journalists offering insights on the shifting political landscape, The Crossbench brings frank and honest insight each week from those with significant influence over the UK's political future.</p><br><p>Hosted by former Army Captain and journalist Conor Wilson, new episodes land each Friday.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><strong>"MPs are all the same"</strong></p><br><p><strong>"Politicians are only in it for themselves."</strong></p><br><p>Are these things true? In some cases they might be, but what if in reality, they are not?</p><br><p>The Crossbench podcast wants to do political interviewing differently, aiming to learn about the person behind the politician. With a range of guests from across the political spectrum, we bring voices often overlooked in the political arena. </p><br><p>From backbench MPs discussing the realities of constituency politics to journalists offering insights on the shifting political landscape, The Crossbench brings frank and honest insight each week from those with significant influence over the UK's political future.</p><br><p>Hosted by former Army Captain and journalist Conor Wilson, new episodes land each Friday.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
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			<itunes:name>Conor Wilson</itunes:name>
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		<itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
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				<title>The Crossbench with Conor Wilson</title>
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			<title>12. Patrick Hurley MP - Representing Southport in the midst of a national tragedy</title>
			<itunes:title>12. Patrick Hurley MP - Representing Southport in the midst of a national tragedy</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:33:16 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>58:37</itunes:duration>
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			<itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
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			<description><![CDATA[<p>Patrick Hurley was elected to represent Southport in 2024 - The first Labour candidate to win in the coastal town.</p><br><p>His eleation quickly turned to tragedy as just weeks into his new role, he received a phone call to tell him about an attack at a Taylor Swift Dance Class that left three girls murdered and many more injured.</p><br><p>Patrick discusses the attack, the wave of misinformation that followed it and the national unrest seen in towns across the country. He talks, through his socialist lense, about the need to address poverty in town's such as Southport and others that feel victim to disorder in the wake of the attack, factors he feels laid the foundations for the riots we saw.</p><br><p>He also discusses how seaside towns such as his adjust to a change in tourism habits and declining shopping trends to ensure that investment continues to flow through and provide jobs and quality of life to those who live there.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p>Patrick Hurley was elected to represent Southport in 2024 - The first Labour candidate to win in the coastal town.</p><br><p>His eleation quickly turned to tragedy as just weeks into his new role, he received a phone call to tell him about an attack at a Taylor Swift Dance Class that left three girls murdered and many more injured.</p><br><p>Patrick discusses the attack, the wave of misinformation that followed it and the national unrest seen in towns across the country. He talks, through his socialist lense, about the need to address poverty in town's such as Southport and others that feel victim to disorder in the wake of the attack, factors he feels laid the foundations for the riots we saw.</p><br><p>He also discusses how seaside towns such as his adjust to a change in tourism habits and declining shopping trends to ensure that investment continues to flow through and provide jobs and quality of life to those who live there.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
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			<title>11. Dame Caroline Dinenage MP - Global scrutiny in the face of Donald Trump threats</title>
			<itunes:title>11. Dame Caroline Dinenage MP - Global scrutiny in the face of Donald Trump threats</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:23:57 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>42:15</itunes:duration>
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			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>11</itunes:episode>
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			<description><![CDATA[<p>Dame Caroline Dineage is an entrepreneur and the Conservative MP for Gosport.</p><br><p>Dame Caroline has served in a a variety of departments since being elected in 2010 including the DWP, Department of Justice, Department of Health and Social Care and Deptarment of Education.</p><br><p>She currently is the chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee and last year, found herself at the centre of the row between US President Donald Trump and the BBC over an edited clip of Trump from 2021.</p><br><p>As chair, Dame Caroline was tasked with scrutinising the actions of the BBC and delivering the committee's findings in which she recognised the need for the BBC to change after a series of high-profile scandals cost the Director General his job.</p><br><p>In this episode, Dame Caroline reflects on the pressure of finding yourself at the centre of a global story, her fears for online safety and the use of AI to produce sexually explicit images of women and children as well as the importance of business experience in government.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p>Dame Caroline Dineage is an entrepreneur and the Conservative MP for Gosport.</p><br><p>Dame Caroline has served in a a variety of departments since being elected in 2010 including the DWP, Department of Justice, Department of Health and Social Care and Deptarment of Education.</p><br><p>She currently is the chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee and last year, found herself at the centre of the row between US President Donald Trump and the BBC over an edited clip of Trump from 2021.</p><br><p>As chair, Dame Caroline was tasked with scrutinising the actions of the BBC and delivering the committee's findings in which she recognised the need for the BBC to change after a series of high-profile scandals cost the Director General his job.</p><br><p>In this episode, Dame Caroline reflects on the pressure of finding yourself at the centre of a global story, her fears for online safety and the use of AI to produce sexually explicit images of women and children as well as the importance of business experience in government.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
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			<title>10. Calvin Bailey MBE - I carried a knife after the murder of Stephen Lawrence</title>
			<itunes:title>10. Calvin Bailey MBE - I carried a knife after the murder of Stephen Lawrence</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 07:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>53:45</itunes:duration>
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			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>10</itunes:episode>
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			<description><![CDATA[<p>Calvin Bailey MBE is the Labour Member of Parliament for Leyton and Wanstead, first elected in July 2024. </p><p>Born in Zambia and raised in London, he served 24 years in the Royal Air Force, reaching the rank of Wing Commander and received an MBE for distinguished service.</p><p>His mixed heritage meant that racism was prevalent in his formative years and he discusses the effect of seeing his Mum confront far-right thugs and the impact of the death of Steven Lawrence.</p><p>Despite the racism of his early year, Bailey stands as the embodiment of what hard work and dedication to serving others can achieve, representing his constituency as its first black MP.</p><p>Like his Mother, Bailey is unafraid to call out the racism that has become increasingly common in modern day politics.</p><p>Bailey sits on the Defence Select Committee and chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Armed Forces community. He is forthright in his belief that the public need to grasp the enormity of the security challenges faced by the country and the requirement for politicians to properly communicate the threat, which in his mind, includes Russia committing acts of “grey zone” warfare on the streets of Britain today.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p>Calvin Bailey MBE is the Labour Member of Parliament for Leyton and Wanstead, first elected in July 2024. </p><p>Born in Zambia and raised in London, he served 24 years in the Royal Air Force, reaching the rank of Wing Commander and received an MBE for distinguished service.</p><p>His mixed heritage meant that racism was prevalent in his formative years and he discusses the effect of seeing his Mum confront far-right thugs and the impact of the death of Steven Lawrence.</p><p>Despite the racism of his early year, Bailey stands as the embodiment of what hard work and dedication to serving others can achieve, representing his constituency as its first black MP.</p><p>Like his Mother, Bailey is unafraid to call out the racism that has become increasingly common in modern day politics.</p><p>Bailey sits on the Defence Select Committee and chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Armed Forces community. He is forthright in his belief that the public need to grasp the enormity of the security challenges faced by the country and the requirement for politicians to properly communicate the threat, which in his mind, includes Russia committing acts of “grey zone” warfare on the streets of Britain today.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
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			<title><![CDATA[09. Brian Leishman MP - Welfare reform rebel guilty of "Persistent knobheadery"]]></title>
			<itunes:title><![CDATA[09. Brian Leishman MP - Welfare reform rebel guilty of "Persistent knobheadery"]]></itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 17:49:14 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>47:45</itunes:duration>
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			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>9</itunes:episode>
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			<description><![CDATA[<p>"Persistent knobheadery" is a term few people had heard of until Labour's welfare rebellion led to an embarrassing climbdown. Today's guest, Brian Leishman, was one of four MPs suspended for so-called "persistent knobheadery" over his role in fighting against his government's planned reforms.</p><br><p>Inspired into politics by Jeremy Corbyn's leadership of the Labour Party, Conor discusses the Chancellor's budget, the removal of the two-child benefit cap, how a wealth tax would work in reality and why he chose to challenge the government's attempts to reform the welfare system earlier this year.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p>"Persistent knobheadery" is a term few people had heard of until Labour's welfare rebellion led to an embarrassing climbdown. Today's guest, Brian Leishman, was one of four MPs suspended for so-called "persistent knobheadery" over his role in fighting against his government's planned reforms.</p><br><p>Inspired into politics by Jeremy Corbyn's leadership of the Labour Party, Conor discusses the Chancellor's budget, the removal of the two-child benefit cap, how a wealth tax would work in reality and why he chose to challenge the government's attempts to reform the welfare system earlier this year.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
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			<title><![CDATA[08. Tonia Antoniazzi MP - "At times I don't feel safe"]]></title>
			<itunes:title><![CDATA[08. Tonia Antoniazzi MP - "At times I don't feel safe"]]></itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 18:06:14 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>51:58</itunes:duration>
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			<itunes:episode>8</itunes:episode>
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			<description><![CDATA[<p>Tonia Antoniazzi is the Labour MP for Gower, first elected in 2017 and the constituency’s first female representative. A former teacher and international rugby player for Wales, she has served as the Shadow Minister for Northern Ireland and currently chairs the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee.</p><br><p>Tonia discusses her sporting career and pride at the growth of the women's game and her views on controversial legislation being proposed by Labour in regards to the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.</p><br><p>She also speaks candidly on Labour press briefings and potential leadership coups as well as her fears for her safety when out in her constituency.</p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p>Tonia Antoniazzi is the Labour MP for Gower, first elected in 2017 and the constituency’s first female representative. A former teacher and international rugby player for Wales, she has served as the Shadow Minister for Northern Ireland and currently chairs the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee.</p><br><p>Tonia discusses her sporting career and pride at the growth of the women's game and her views on controversial legislation being proposed by Labour in regards to the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.</p><br><p>She also speaks candidly on Labour press briefings and potential leadership coups as well as her fears for her safety when out in her constituency.</p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[07. Gideon Amos MP - "Restoring trust in politics is incredibly important right now" ]]></title>
			<itunes:title><![CDATA[07. Gideon Amos MP - "Restoring trust in politics is incredibly important right now" ]]></itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 17:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>39:46</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68db965e7be17a7f01dd4f80/e/69173db2243c8d887044a79e/media.mp3" length="57283445" type="audio/mpeg"/>
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			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/the-crossbench-with-conor-wilson/episodes/07-gideon-amos-mp-restoring-trust-in-politics-is-incredibly</link>
			<acast:episodeId>69173db2243c8d887044a79e</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68db965e7be17a7f01dd4f80</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>07-gideon-amos-mp-restoring-trust-in-politics-is-incredibly</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsuhEtzU3fgs51Vvs5j85aRNwWW5Scx/tZKGadl63kVU7gb8L04EAObSC+RTgHVOshHsMxkXhs8S1lBwu0OmfeT7ffeBC4KCCPWX4XiDTErZIGOwe7RPnQPjGvWU5NXWuh]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/cover/1759221315806-a974a4a9-7b02-4367-a4b0-10f4573db649.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<p>Gideon Amos OBE is the Liberal Democrat MP for Taunton and Wellington and the party’s spokesperson for Housing and Planning. A chartered architect and former chief executive of the Town and Country Planning Association, he has long championed sustainable development and local decision-making.</p><br><p>His background makes him well placed to critique the government's performance in house building and planning reform and he shares his views on what is required to ensure that large infrastructure projects are completed an benefit local communities.</p><br><p>He is proud of accusations by Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch that Liberal Democrats are good for fixing church roofs and discusses his connection to the Armed Forces and attempts to engage younger voters through new social media platforms.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p>Gideon Amos OBE is the Liberal Democrat MP for Taunton and Wellington and the party’s spokesperson for Housing and Planning. A chartered architect and former chief executive of the Town and Country Planning Association, he has long championed sustainable development and local decision-making.</p><br><p>His background makes him well placed to critique the government's performance in house building and planning reform and he shares his views on what is required to ensure that large infrastructure projects are completed an benefit local communities.</p><br><p>He is proud of accusations by Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch that Liberal Democrats are good for fixing church roofs and discusses his connection to the Armed Forces and attempts to engage younger voters through new social media platforms.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>06. Margaret Mullane MP - Working to prevent violence against women and halt the rise of Reform</title>
			<itunes:title>06. Margaret Mullane MP - Working to prevent violence against women and halt the rise of Reform</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:21:39 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>47:45</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68db965e7be17a7f01dd4f80/e/6904d403c89076b5e2ad8818/media.mp3" length="68777114" type="audio/mpeg"/>
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			<link>https://shows.acast.com/the-crossbench-with-conor-wilson/episodes/06-margaret-mullane-mp-working-to-prevent-violence-against-w</link>
			<acast:episodeId>6904d403c89076b5e2ad8818</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68db965e7be17a7f01dd4f80</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>06-margaret-mullane-mp-working-to-prevent-violence-against-w</acast:episodeUrl>
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			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/cover/1759221315806-a974a4a9-7b02-4367-a4b0-10f4573db649.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>05. Jerome Mayhew MP - Growing Go Ape and the importance of business experience in politics</title>
			<itunes:title>05. Jerome Mayhew MP - Growing Go Ape and the importance of business experience in politics</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Oct 2025 01:30:01 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>49:09</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68db965e7be17a7f01dd4f80/e/68f5909e80f2667740ff00a1/media.mp3" length="70780183" type="audio/mpeg"/>
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			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/the-crossbench-with-conor-wilson/episodes/01-jerome-mayhew-mp-growing-go-ape-and-the-importance-of-bus</link>
			<acast:episodeId>68f5909e80f2667740ff00a1</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68db965e7be17a7f01dd4f80</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>01-jerome-mayhew-mp-growing-go-ape-and-the-importance-of-bus</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsuhEtzU3fgs51Vvs5j85aRNwWW5Scx/tZKGadl63kVU7oyFE2SN+p56qtX7v+R60ltfBo9NvGXnqHqvqFW2SWjLJybSMdzsJvXMXUxqo9w6TUlD1yTIEvvO3vLjd2yfAP]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/cover/1759221315806-a974a4a9-7b02-4367-a4b0-10f4573db649.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[04. Connor Naismith MP - What power do MPs have, renters' rights and Blue Labour]]></title>
			<itunes:title><![CDATA[04. Connor Naismith MP - What power do MPs have, renters' rights and Blue Labour]]></itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Oct 2025 05:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>38:32</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68db965e7be17a7f01dd4f80/e/68e84ee953a5e2858f1390f6/media.mp3" length="55495416" type="audio/mpeg"/>
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			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/the-crossbench-with-conor-wilson/episodes/01-connor-naismith-mp-what-power-to-mps-have-renters-rights</link>
			<acast:episodeId>68e84ee953a5e2858f1390f6</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68db965e7be17a7f01dd4f80</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>01-connor-naismith-mp-what-power-to-mps-have-renters-rights</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsuhEtzU3fgs51Vvs5j85aRNwWW5Scx/tZKGadl63kVU61bGnf9z9Peibv4r07xivK8SqeMnSrOCkEO/6UpY/p07KdUkpNUmvVAB1JosttF3YWaABr9Hr1HZKgnPTNKdLB]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/cover/1759221315806-a974a4a9-7b02-4367-a4b0-10f4573db649.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<p>Connor James Naismith is a British Labour Party politician who has served as MP for Crewe and Nantwich since July 2024.</p><br><p>Before entering Parliament, he was a Cheshire East councillor and worked in police complaints and oversight.</p><br><p>Naismith gives his views on how much influence an MP really has, why he believes that the Renter's Rights Bill is an important piece of legislation and why he believes that Blue Labour could play an important role in the party's future.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p>Connor James Naismith is a British Labour Party politician who has served as MP for Crewe and Nantwich since July 2024.</p><br><p>Before entering Parliament, he was a Cheshire East councillor and worked in police complaints and oversight.</p><br><p>Naismith gives his views on how much influence an MP really has, why he believes that the Renter's Rights Bill is an important piece of legislation and why he believes that Blue Labour could play an important role in the party's future.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>03. Christine Jardine MP - Fears for press freedom, defying the whip and speaking out for women and asylum seekers</title>
			<itunes:title>03. Christine Jardine MP - Fears for press freedom, defying the whip and speaking out for women and asylum seekers</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2025 23:51:41 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>1:01:51</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68db965e7be17a7f01dd4f80/e/68df101159fa988cc4dd7031/media.mp3" length="148475909" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">68df101159fa988cc4dd7031</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/the-crossbench-with-conor-wilson/episodes/03-christine-jardine-mp-fears-for-press-freedom-defying-the</link>
			<acast:episodeId>68df101159fa988cc4dd7031</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68db965e7be17a7f01dd4f80</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>03-christine-jardine-mp-fears-for-press-freedom-defying-the</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsuhEtzU3fgs51Vvs5j85aRNwWW5Scx/tZKGadl63kVU7fWUDAd/7vH21wCojtS84XotPfIetYx1EwzAVOrpjUFrgT+Y4p9mVzpW6R4xMP6LWUGk2tMbqQKFUzn6RdRjpA]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/cover/1759221315806-a974a4a9-7b02-4367-a4b0-10f4573db649.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<p>Christine Jardine is the Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, first elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2019 and 2024 with increasing majorities. </p><br><p>A former journalist and academic, she worked for BBC Scotland, <em>The Scotsman</em>, and taught journalism before entering politics. </p><br><p>In Parliament, she has served as the Lib Dem spokesperson across portfolios including Home Affairs, Treasury, and Scotland. Jardine is a vocal campaigner on refugee rights, equal pensions, and social justice issues. Earlier this year, she lost her role as the Liberal Democrats Women and Equalities Spokesperson after defying the whip and voting against a Conservative amendment to the Welfare Bill.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p>Christine Jardine is the Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, first elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2019 and 2024 with increasing majorities. </p><br><p>A former journalist and academic, she worked for BBC Scotland, <em>The Scotsman</em>, and taught journalism before entering politics. </p><br><p>In Parliament, she has served as the Lib Dem spokesperson across portfolios including Home Affairs, Treasury, and Scotland. Jardine is a vocal campaigner on refugee rights, equal pensions, and social justice issues. Earlier this year, she lost her role as the Liberal Democrats Women and Equalities Spokesperson after defying the whip and voting against a Conservative amendment to the Welfare Bill.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>02. Steve Yemm MP - AI, corporate donations and the threat of Reform UK</title>
			<itunes:title>02. Steve Yemm MP - AI, corporate donations and the threat of Reform UK</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2025 23:46:56 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>53:40</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68db965e7be17a7f01dd4f80/e/68df0ef35f95c3d41913d3a4/media.mp3" length="128828645" type="audio/mpeg"/>
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			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/the-crossbench-with-conor-wilson/episodes/012-steve-yemm-mp-ai-corporate-donations-and-the-threat-of-r</link>
			<acast:episodeId>68df0ef35f95c3d41913d3a4</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68db965e7be17a7f01dd4f80</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>012-steve-yemm-mp-ai-corporate-donations-and-the-threat-of-r</acast:episodeUrl>
			<acast:settings><![CDATA[FYjHyZbXWHZ7gmX8Pp1rmbKbhgrQiwYShz70Q9/ffXZMTtedvdcRQbP4eiLMjXzCKLPjEYLpGj+NMVKa+5C8pL4u/EOj1Vw4h5MMJYp0lCcFAe0fnxBJy/1ju4Qxy1fh8gO4DvlGA40yms2g0/hOkcrfHIopjTygHFqGwwOPKFIai4SuTvs86Lx3UYCyl6ZsuhEtzU3fgs51Vvs5j85aRNwWW5Scx/tZKGadl63kVU7hpam5DK3Y6ZLijqdLwcG2AB1oX3nGCk9Mc+LBE9X6esq1QyHnE/9spnXjAj/0TRLO9sIPBfykS9/PmCvXNuCu]]></acast:settings>
			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/cover/1759221315806-a974a4a9-7b02-4367-a4b0-10f4573db649.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<p>Steve Yemm is the Labour MP for Mansfield, elected in July 2024.</p><br><p>Yemm is from working class roots, his father was a coal miner and his mother was a dinner lady. That background, combined with his experience of passing his 11+ and being exposed to life at a grammar school, has shaped his world view and ultimately his politics.</p><br><p>After graduating university with a degree in applied chemstry, Yemm worked successfully in the corporate world before entering politics, his scientific background providing him with a range of experience unique amongst MPs.</p><br><p>Yemm has also faced scrutiny after failing to declare a donation in a speech in parliament earlier this year, an incident for which he apologised in 2025. </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p>Steve Yemm is the Labour MP for Mansfield, elected in July 2024.</p><br><p>Yemm is from working class roots, his father was a coal miner and his mother was a dinner lady. That background, combined with his experience of passing his 11+ and being exposed to life at a grammar school, has shaped his world view and ultimately his politics.</p><br><p>After graduating university with a degree in applied chemstry, Yemm worked successfully in the corporate world before entering politics, his scientific background providing him with a range of experience unique amongst MPs.</p><br><p>Yemm has also faced scrutiny after failing to declare a donation in a speech in parliament earlier this year, an incident for which he apologised in 2025. </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>01. Bob Blackman CBE MP - Removing Prime Ministers, opposition to same-sex marriage and helping the homeless</title>
			<itunes:title>01. Bob Blackman CBE MP - Removing Prime Ministers, opposition to same-sex marriage and helping the homeless</itunes:title>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2025 23:33:01 GMT</pubDate>
			<itunes:duration>53:47</itunes:duration>
			<enclosure url="https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68db965e7be17a7f01dd4f80/e/68df0b515f95c3d41912a33e/media.mp3" length="129095137" type="audio/mpeg"/>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">68df0b515f95c3d41912a33e</guid>
			<itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
			<link>https://shows.acast.com/the-crossbench-with-conor-wilson/episodes/01-bob-blackman-cbe-mp-removing-prime-ministers-opposition-t</link>
			<acast:episodeId>68df0b515f95c3d41912a33e</acast:episodeId>
			<acast:showId>68db965e7be17a7f01dd4f80</acast:showId>
			<acast:episodeUrl>01-bob-blackman-cbe-mp-removing-prime-ministers-opposition-t</acast:episodeUrl>
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			<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
			<itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
			<itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
			<itunes:image href="https://assets.pippa.io/shows/cover/1759221315806-a974a4a9-7b02-4367-a4b0-10f4573db649.jpeg"/>
			<description><![CDATA[<p>Bob Blackman is the Conservative MP for Harrow East, first elected in 2010. </p><br><p>A former Brent council leader and London Assembly member, he is now chair of the powerful 1922 Committee of backbench Tory MPs. Previously a secretary of the committee, Blackman had a front row seat to one of the most tumultuous episodes in British politics, witnessing first hand the rise and fall of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss.</p><br><p>Blackman is best known in policy for steering the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and championing the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 and was awarded a CBE for his efforts to eradicate homelessness in Britain.</p><br><p>A committed Brexiteer and social conservative, he has courted controversy over opposition to same-sex marriage, an opposition rooted in his strong religious beliefs. Today he remains an influential organiser and constituency campaigner with deep roots in northwest London.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></description>
			<itunes:summary><![CDATA[<p>Bob Blackman is the Conservative MP for Harrow East, first elected in 2010. </p><br><p>A former Brent council leader and London Assembly member, he is now chair of the powerful 1922 Committee of backbench Tory MPs. Previously a secretary of the committee, Blackman had a front row seat to one of the most tumultuous episodes in British politics, witnessing first hand the rise and fall of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss.</p><br><p>Blackman is best known in policy for steering the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and championing the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 and was awarded a CBE for his efforts to eradicate homelessness in Britain.</p><br><p>A committed Brexiteer and social conservative, he has courted controversy over opposition to same-sex marriage, an opposition rooted in his strong religious beliefs. Today he remains an influential organiser and constituency campaigner with deep roots in northwest London.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]></itunes:summary>
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			<itunes:category text="Politics"/>
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		<itunes:category text="News">
			<itunes:category text="News Commentary"/>
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