About that episode

Hundreds of schools in England are unsafe. Some ceilings can collapse due to the use of certain types of concrete that have passed their expiration date. Schools found to have unsafe concrete are not permitted to open, but the list is not complete. Parents want to know which schools are safe and which are not. Downing Street responded with a message: most schools are safe.

This problem is not new. Former top official in the Ministry of Education Jonathan Slater stated that he sounded the alarm several years ago, warning that without investment, children’s lives would be at risk. Rishi Sunak, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, halved the renovation budget despite this message.

Also in this episode

King Charles has been on the throne for one year. After the death of her mother, there was particular concern about her husband’s interference in government affairs, but these urges seemed to be contained. How was the first year under Charles?

Do you have a question for Lia? Send a message (voice) via Whatsapp to 06 28 13 5013.

About Van Bekhoven’s Britten

In van Bekhoven’s Britten, Lia van Bekhoven and Connor Clerx speak each week on the biggest news topics and the most important developments in the UK. From Brexit to domestic politics, from the Empire to the tabloids. Why did England attract the attention of the Dutch more than many other European countries? What role is the UK currently playing in Europe, after the word Brexit seems to have ceased to exist in the life of British society, but the consequences of the decision to leave the EU are becoming clearer every day?

The British monarchy, and thus the state, is facing profound changes following the death of Queen Elisabeth and the coronation of her son Charles. The Royal Family’s popularity is at an all-time low. How has the British monarchy changed under King Charles, and what impact has this had on the Commonwealth? In Van Bekhoven’s Britten, Lia and Connor analyze a Kingdom with declining prosperity, influence, and power. The Conservative Party Has Been Prime Minister For Thirteen Years, Will It End After Rishi Sunak? What was England like under Labor’s Keir Starmer? And how do ‘ordinary’ Britons, if at all, deal with this? All of these questions and more are addressed in Van Bekhoven’s Britten. A critical view of England, where there appears to be a competition between Northern Ireland and Scotland to see who can secede from England first. How long will this Kingdom remain united?

After more than 45 years under British rule, Lia van Bekhoven has a unique view of Great Britain. A resident, but not an Anglophile, he is deeply concerned about news, politics, the monarchy and the daily life of the North Sea. Every Wednesday you will receive a new podcast about the life of Britten by Van Bekhoven on your podcast app. Sharp analysis, depth that there’s no time for radio, and lots of humor. Subscribe and don’t miss a single episode.

About Lia

Lia van Bekhoven is the British correspondent for BNR Nieuwsradio, VRT, Knack and Elsevier, and often appears on talk shows as a news translator from England. He has lived in London since 1976 and, as well as being a correspondent for radio, television and written media, is also a book author. Mum went dancing, a legacy of Diana, Princess of Wales (1997), Land of the Divided Gods, Northern Ireland and the Troubles (2000), In London, 9 people walk through the British capital (2009) and Little England (2022).

About Connor

Connor Clerx is a presenter and podcaster at BNR Nieuwsradio. He has worked for BNR since 2017 and can often be heard on De Ochtendspits, Boekestijn en de Wijk and BNR Breekt.