About that episode

The British liked to imprison offenders, but that was no longer possible. Prisons in England are so full that convicted robbers, and even rapists, are not being sent to prison for now. No more space. The reason? Old buildings, too few staff, workforce reductions, and increasingly long sentences.

And England has a hand in the latter. The starting point is not rehabilitation, but strict punishment. But now the justice system can no longer cope, and lawsuits and sentences are on hold.

Also in this episode

Listener questions! Connor and Lia answered questions about Britain’s willingness to protest, the proliferation of different types of rooms in British homes, Margaret Thatcher, and the British school system, among other things.

Do you also have questions for Lia? Send via WhatsApp, preferably via voice message, via 06 2813 5013.

About Van Bekhoven’s Britten

In van Bekhoven’s Britten, Lia van Bekhoven and Connor Clerx talk weekly about the biggest news topics and most important developments in the UK. From Brexit to domestic politics, from the Kingdom to the tabloids. Why does England attract Dutch people more than many other European countries? What role does the UK play now in Europe, now that the word Brexit seems to have disappeared from British life, but the consequences of the decision to leave the EU are becoming clearer every day?

The British monarchy, as well as the state, is facing major changes following the death of Queen Elisabeth and the coronation of her son Charles. The Royal Family’s popularity was at its lowest ebb. How did the British monarchy change under King Charles’ reign, and what impact did this have on the Commonwealth? In Van Bekhoven’s Britten, Lia and Connor analyze Empires of declining prosperity, influence, and power. The Conservative Party Has Been Prime Minister For Thirteen Years, Will That End After Rishi Sunak? What would Britain look like under Labour’s Keir Starmer? And how do ‘ordinary’ Britons, if any, deal with this? All these questions and more are discussed in Van Bekhoven’s Britten. A critical look at England, where there seems to be a competition between Northern Ireland and Scotland to see who can break away from England first. How long will this Kingdom remain united?

After more than 45 years of British rule, Lia van Bekhoven has a unique view of Great Britain. A resident, but not an Anglophile, he paid close attention to news, politics, the monarchy and daily life in the North Sea. Every Wednesday you’ll receive a new podcast about Van Bekhoven’s life of Britten in your podcast app. Sharp analysis, depth that radio doesn’t have time for, and humor galore. Subscribe and never miss an episode.

About Lia

Lia van Bekhoven is a 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.