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This week the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) announced its first ever nationwide strike. Pat Cullen, the RCN's General Secretary and Chief Executive, will lead them into industrial action which is expected to start in December.Born in Northern Ireland, Pat Cullen was inspired by her older sisters to train as a nurse during the Troubles. After roles at Northern Ireland's Department of Health, and Public Health Agency, Cullen joined the RCN's Northern Ireland branch in 2016. Three years later, she led the union's first-ever strike, seeking pay parity for Northern Irish nurses with those working elsewhere in the United Kingdom.Since 2021, Pat Cullen has been the interim leader of the RCN at national level. Drawing on her experiences in Northern Ireland, she's now campaigning for better wages and conditions for nurses across the UK.Timandra Harkness takes a look at Pat Cullen's life and career.Producer: Ben Cooper Researcher: Matt Toulson Production Co-ordinators: Helena Warwick-Cross and Maria Ogundele Editor: Simon Watts Studio Engineer: John Scott

Since entering Parliament in 2017, the MP for Saffron Walden has rapidly risen through the ranks to a seat at the Cabinet table as Trade Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities.Kemi Badenoch surprised some in Westminster when she reached the fourth round of the Conservative leadership election this summer. Her forthright views on British colonialism and trans issues have won her admirers on the political right, but also been heavily criticised by LGBTQ campaigners.So who is Kemi Badenoch? How has her childhood in Nigeria influenced her political outlook? And how does she like to unwind? Mark Coles investigates.Researcher: Alice Struthers Producers: Ben Cooper and Matt Toulson Production Co-ordinators: Helena Warwick-Cross and Maria Ogundele Sound engineer: Graham Puddifoot Editor: Simon Watts

This month, the multi-award-winning violinist has started work as the first Scottish and first female director of the Edinburgh Festival since it began in 1947. Nicola Benedetti's passion for culture also extends well beyond performing; she's used her high profile to advocate for the importance of the arts in education. Mark Coles charts Nicola Benedetti's journey from first picking up the violin at age four to overseeing one of the world’s biggest annual cultural events.Researchers: Matt Toulson and Alice Struthers Producers: Ben Cooper and Bob Howard Production Co-ordinators: Helena Warwick-Cross and Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: Graham Puddifoot Editor: Simon Watts