The House of Commons Library has launched a new podcast series, bringing MPs, their staff and the public coverage of key policy areas via interviews with impartial Library researchers.

Each episode lasts for 20 minutes or under, and aims to get to the crux of current debates or offer an overview of topics being debated in Westminster. The first series covers Universal Credit, defence equipment, the private rented sector, public spending, devolution in Northern Ireland and utility prices.

Penny Young, House of Commons Librarian, said: “Our experts have a wealth of knowledge which is invaluable to those working in Parliament and beyond, and so we’re keen to make that more accessible and try a new format to share our impartial research. We know how busy MPs and their staff are, so we hope a 20 minute podcast they can listen to while on the go will be a useful addition to our service.”

Library researchers answer around 25,000 confidential enquiries from MPs a year, and are constantly keeping up with the latest developments in their field, both in UK Parliament and further afield. Through the podcast, they pick out key information on their specialist areas to provide background, clarity on Government decisions, the views of the Opposition and future issues to keep an eye on.

It is being published on commonslibrary.parlilament.uk/podcast and downloadable from Spotify, SoundCloud and iTunes by searching Commons Library Podcast.